Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Police command said it has rescued one Mr. Mathew John Zephaniah, at Agbo-Nchia Forest, in Eleme Local Government Area of the state.
Zephaniah, a kidnapped victim, was rescued following a coordinated operation by operatives of the command.
This was revealed in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-koko, on Wednesday.
According to her, “acting on credible intelligence, the operatives, drawn from tactical units and divisions within the Oyigbo Area Command, in collaboration with OSPAC local vigilante groups were swiftly mobilized to the suspected kidnappers’ den at Agbo-Nchia Forest.
“The kidnappers on sighting the police operatives, opened fire on them and there was exchange of fire but due to superior firing power of the police, the kidnappers abandoned the victim and fled with gunshot wounds.
“The victim’s HP Laptop and Redmi Phone were recovered, along with two Android Phones and a Smart Wrist Watch suspected to belong to the kidnappers.”
Irinke-Koko revealed that, “the victim was rescued unhurt and has been debriefed and reunited with his family.
“The exhibits are currently in Police custody, while concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A Adepoju, has reassured residents of the state of the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the State.
Adepoju also urged residents to report any individual (s) with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies promptly.
