The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim, Mathew John Zephaniah, during a coordinated operation in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The suspects, who sustained gunshot wounds during a shootout with security forces, managed to escape into the nearby Agbo-Nchia Forest.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the rescue was based on credible intelligence and executed by tactical units and divisional operatives under the Oyigbo Area Command. They were supported by local OSPAC vigilante personnel in the area.
According to the statement, the kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the security team, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire. Overpowered by the superior response of the operatives, the criminals abandoned their victim and fled, leaving behind key items, including the victim’s HP laptop and Redmi phone.
Other items recovered at the scene include two Android phones and a smart wristwatch believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.
Mathew John Zephaniah was rescued unhurt, debriefed, and has since been reunited with his family.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding lives and property across the state. He also appealed to residents to report anyone found with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or security agency.
The police say investigations are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
