The Rivers State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued a female victim during a gun battle along Ozuaha Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were killed after opening fire on operatives who stormed their hideout based on credible intelligence, the police said.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday, explaining that the operatives acted on a tip-off that the kidnappers were sharing ransom money collected from the victim’s family.
According to the statement, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit attached to the Emohua Annexe covertly moved to a forested area off Ozuaha Road at about 11:30 a.m., where they encountered the suspects.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the heavily armed kidnappers opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire,” Iringe-Koko said. “Two of the suspects were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.”
The victim, a female indigene of Omademe Community who was abducted on December 5, 2025, was rescued unhurt during the operation.
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The police revealed that the victim’s brother had reported the incident on December 9, stating that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦1.2 million and threatened to kill her if the payment was not made.
Items recovered from the scene included one pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two expended cartridges, and one locally made pistol. Part of the ransom paid by the victim’s family was also recovered.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in the state.
Adepoju assured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on criminal activities and called on members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
He also directed that investigations be intensified to apprehend the suspects still at large and recover the remaining ransom.
“The Rivers State Police Command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors,” the statement added.
