Police Storm Kidnappers’ Den In Rivers Forest, Rescue Victim

Officers from the Rivers State Police Command raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Agbo-Nchia Forest and freed a victim, Mathew John Zephaniah.

The mission was executed in partnership with local vigilante groups.

Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who announced this in a statement on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, stated that the kidnappers, upon spotting the police, fired at them, resulting in a shootout.

The PPRO noted that the suspects deserted the victim and escaped with gunshot injuries.

He mentioned that ongoing efforts are in place to capture the escaping gang members.

“In a remarkable display of operational prowess, the Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued one Mathew John Zephaniah, ‘m’ a kidnapped victim, following a coordinated operation by operatives of the Command,” the statement read.

“Based on reliable intelligence, the operatives, assembled from tactical units and Divisions within the Oyigbo Area Command, in collaboration with OSPAC local vigilante groups, were quickly deployed to the suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Agbo-Nchia Forest.

“The kidnappers, upon noticing the Police Operatives, opened fire on them and there was exchange of fire but due to superior firing power of the Police, the kidnappers abandoned the victim and fled with gunshot wounds.

“The victim’s HP Laptop and Redmi Phone were recovered, along with two Android Phones and a Smart Wrist Watch suspected to belong to the kidnappers.

“The victim was rescued unharmed and has been debriefed and reunited with his family.

“The exhibits are currently in Police custody, while concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

“The Commissioner of Police Rivers State CP Olugbenga A Adepoju, psc, mnips, has assured residents of the State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the State.

“The Command urges residents to report any individual(s) with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies promptly.”

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli