The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim, Mathew John Zephaniah, following a coordinated operation involving its tactical units, divisional personnel from the Oyigbo Area Command, and local OSPAC vigilantes.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the rescue took place at Agbo-Nchia Forest, a location believed to be a hideout for criminal gangs.

Acting on intelligence, operatives were deployed to the area where they encountered armed resistance. The kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the police, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The police said the suspects fled with gunshot wounds after being overpowered, abandoning the victim.

Zephaniah was rescued unharmed and has since been debriefed and reunited with his family. Items recovered at the scene include the victim’s HP laptop and Redmi phone, as well as two Android phones and a smartwatch suspected to belong to the fleeing kidnappers.

All recovered items are in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to report any individuals with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or security agency.