Rivers police kill two kidnappers and rescue female victim

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have gunned down two persons suspected to be involved in kidnapping and rescued a victim.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the development, saying the operatives recovered firearms and ammunition from the gang.

The Rivers State Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, has made a remarkable breakthrough.

She disclosed that operatives of the command, attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) Emohua Annex, acting on a tip-off, successfully rescued the female victim (name withheld) from Omademe community.

Ms Iringe-Koko said the victim had been abducted on Friday, 5 December, along Ozuaha Road, Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

According to the PPRO, the police received reports from the victim’s brother on 9 December, seeking assistance in securing his sister’s release.

She stated: “The abductors had demanded a ransom of N1.2 million, threatening to kill the victim if the payment was not made promptly.

“The Police operatives, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, swiftly mobilised and executed a carefully planned operation to rescue the victim.

“At about 1130 hours, the Police team, led by seasoned operatives, utilising intelligence-led operations, covertly stormed the kidnappers’ hideout located in a forested area, off Ozuaha Road and met the suspected kidnappers sharing the ransom.

“Upon sighting the Police operatives, the kidnappers, who were heavily armed, opened gunfire, leading to a fierce exchange of gun battles. The Police, displaying exemplary bravery and professionalism, neutralised two of the kidnappers, while others fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. The victim was rescued unhurt, and part of the ransom was recovered.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the bravery and dedication of the operatives involved in the operation, who put their lives on the line to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.

He reassured members of the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state and urged anyone with credible information about the fleeing suspects to come forward and assist the police.

The CP further directed that the investigation should be expedited, and the fleeing suspects apprehended to face justice, as well as recover the remaining ransom.

He further reassured that the command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the state remains a safe and secure place for all residents and visitors.

All the exhibits are currently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.