Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a female kidnapping victim during a high-stakes operation in a forest hideout in Emohua Local Government Area.
Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a fierce gun battle, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
The breakthrough was announced on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, following an intelligence-led raid by the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) Emohua Annexe.
READ ALSO: Mohbad: Lagos Police arrest Sam Larry
The victim, a woman from the Omademe Community, was kidnapped on Friday, December 5, 2025, while travelling along Ozuaha Road in Emohua. Her brother formally sought police assistance on December 9 after the abductors demanded a ransom of ₦1.2 million.
The kidnappers reportedly issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening to kill the victim if the funds were not paid immediately.Acting on a tip-off, police operatives mobilised for a covert rescue mission.
At approximately 11:30 AM, the tactical team stormed a hidden camp located deep within a forested area off Ozuaha Road.Upon arrival, the police encountered the suspects in the middle of sharing the ransom money.
The heavily armed kidnappers opened fire on the operatives, triggering a gun duel. During the exchange, two suspects were neutralised by the superior firepower of the police, several other gang members fled into the dense forest with gunshot injuries, and the victim was rescued unhurt.
Following the operation, the police recovered a significant cache of weapons and a portion of the ransom money.
The police have taken several items into custody following the incident.
These include one pump-action rifle and one locally-made pistol.
In addition, they recovered five live cartridges and two expended cartridges.
A partial amount of the ransom was also retrieved.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the “exemplary bravery and professionalism” of the operatives involved.
READ ALSO: Imoka Festival: Anambra Police arrest suspect with firearm
He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to eradicating kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, ensuring that the region remains safe for residents and visitors alike.
The CP has directed an immediate manhunt for the fleeing suspects and urged the public to provide any credible information that could lead to their arrest.
