By Uchendu Ejiowhor
The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a female kidnapping victim from Omademe Community. The victim was abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit in Emohua Annex, acting on a tip-off, carried out a daring operation that led to the successful rescue of the victim. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralized during the operation.
The statement explained that the victim’s brother had been contacted by the abductors on December 9, demanding a ransom of One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira and threatening harm if the payment was not made promptly.
Upon receiving the alert, the Police swiftly mobilized a team to storm the kidnapper’s hideout in a forested area off Ozuaha Road. The suspects, who were heavily armed, opened fire on the operatives, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. The Police neutralized two suspects, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
The victim was rescued unharmed, and part of the ransom was recovered, along with exhibits including one pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two expended cartridges, and one locally made pistol. All recovered items are now in Police custody as part of ongoing investigations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, emphasizing the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. He urged anyone with information about the fleeing suspects to come forward and assist in their apprehension.
CP Adepoju directed that the investigation be expedited to recover the remaining ransom and bring the suspects to justice.
