Police Storm Kidnappers' Den In Rivers Forest, Rescue Victim

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command raided a kidnappers' hideout in the Agbo-Nchia Forest, successfully rescuing a victim identified as Mathew John Zephaniah.

The operation was carried out in collaboration with local vigilante groups.  
 
Spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 said the kidnappers upon sighting the police, opened fire on them leading to an exchange of gunfire. 
 
The PPRO said the suspects abandoned the victim and fled with gunshot wounds. 
 
He added that concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.
 
“In a remarkable display of operational prowess, the Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued one Mathew John Zephaniah, 'm' a kidnapped victim, following a coordinated operation by operatives of the Command,” the statement read. 
 
"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.
 
"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.
 
"The Commissioner of Police Rivers State CP Olugbenga A Adepoju, psc, mnips, has assured residents of the State of the Command's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the State. 
 
“The Command urges residents to report any individual (s) with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies promptly.”