The Rivers State Police Command has announced the neutralization of two suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of a female victim during an intelligence-led operation along Ozuaha Road in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were reportedly killed after opening fire on police operatives who stormed their hideout following credible intelligence. The operation was carried out by officers of the Anti-Cultism Unit attached to the Emohua Annexe.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the kidnappers were intercepted while sharing ransom money collected from the victim’s family.
According to her, the victim, a woman from Omademe Community, was abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road in Emohua Local Government Area. A report filed by the victim’s brother on December 9 indicated that the abductors had demanded ₦1.2 million and threatened to kill her if the ransom was not paid.
Iringe-Koko explained that police operatives swiftly mobilised and, at about 11:30 a.m., covertly stormed a forested area off Ozuaha Road where the suspects were hiding.
“On sighting the operatives, the heavily armed kidnappers opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel,” she said, adding that two of the suspects were overpowered by the police, while others fled into the forest with gunshot injuries.
The victim was rescued unharmed during the operation, and part of the ransom was recovered. The police also said arms and ammunition were seized from the scene.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, expressing satisfaction over the successful rescue and reiterating the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
