PORT HARCOURT — Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped woman, killed two suspects, and recovered firearms and ammunition during a daring operation in Emohua Local Government Area.
The rescue mission was carried out by personnel attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, based on a tip-off, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
The victim, abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road, Emohua, was held captive for days while her kidnappers demanded a ₦1.2 million ransom and threatened to kill her if payment was delayed.
According to Iringe-Koko, the police acted swiftly after the victim’s brother lodged a formal complaint on December 9. A coordinated operation was launched, culminating in a covert raid on a forest hideout off Ozuaha Road at about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday.
“On sighting the operatives, the armed kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun battle. Two suspects were neutralised, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
The police recovered part of the ransom at the scene, along with one pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two expended cartridges, and one locally made pistol. All exhibits are now in police custody as investigations continue.
The rescued woman was found unharmed and has been reunited with her family.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and “smoking out” all criminals from the state.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public with credible information on the fleeing suspects to cooperate with the police, noting that investigations have been intensified to apprehend those at large, recover the outstanding ransom, and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.
