Police rescue victim in Rivers forest, neutralise 2 kidnappers
Police operatives of the Anti Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, Rivers State, have rescued a kidnapped victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle with the abductors. The incident occurred in a forest along Ozuaha Road in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, where the suspects were reportedly sharing ransom money when […]
Police operatives of the Anti Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, Rivers State, have rescued a kidnapped victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle with the abductors.
The incident occurred in a forest along Ozuaha Road in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, where the suspects were reportedly sharing ransom money when the police stormed the location and engaged them in an exchange of gunfire.
Police spokesperson in Rivers, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, said: “The Rivers State Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, has made a remarkable breakthrough. In a daring operation, operatives of the command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, acting on a tip-off, successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, (name withheld) ‘F’, of Omademe community, who was abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road, Emohua LGA.
“According to reports from the victim’s brother on December 9, 2025, seeking assistance in securing his sister’s release, the abductors demanded a ransom of N1.2m, 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 1130hrs, the police team, led by seasoned operatives, utilising intelligence-led operations, covertly stormed the kidnapper’s 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 battle. 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, exhibits recovered at the scene include one pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two expended cartridges and one locally-made pistol.
“All the exhibits are currently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.”