The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim, Mathew John Zephaniah, unhurt following a coordinated operation at the Agbo-Nchia Forest in the Oyigbo area.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the rescue operation was carried out by tactical police units and officers from divisions under the Oyigbo Area Command, in collaboration with OSPAC, a local vigilante group.
The team stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout after acting on credible intelligence. On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, prompting a gunfight. The suspects were forced to flee with gunshot injuries, abandoning their victim.
Police recovered the victim’s HP laptop and Redmi phone at the scene, as well as two Android phones and a smart wristwatch believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.
Zephaniah, who was rescued without injuries, has since been debriefed and reunited with his family.
The recovered items are now in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, assured residents of the Command’s continued resolve to protect lives and property. He also urged the public to report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or security agency.
