Operatives of the anti-cultism unit, Emohua Annex, Rivers State Police Command, have busted a kidnappers’ hideout along a forested area in Emohua Local Government Area, killing two suspects.

Spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement on Thursday, said the operatives, during the operation, rescued a female victim who was abducted along Ozuaha Road, on December 5, 2025.

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the command, “in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, has made a remarkable breakthrough. In a daring operation, Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) Emohua Annex, acting on a tip-off, successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, (name withheld) ‘F’, of Omademe Community who was abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“According to reports from the victim’s brother on December 9, 2025, seeking assistance in securing his sister’s release, the abductors had demanded a ransom of one million, two hundred thousand naira (#1.2m.) threatening to kill the victim if the payment was not made promptly. The police operatives, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, swiftly mobilised and executed a carefully planned operation to rescue the victim.

“At about 1130hrs, the Police team, led by seasoned Operatives, utilising intelligence led operations, covertly stormed the kidnapper’s hideout located in a forested area, off Ozuaha Road and met the suspected kidnappers sharing the ransom. Upon sighting the Police Operatives, the kidnappers, who were heavily armed, opened gunfire, leading to a fierce exchange of gun battles. The Police, displaying exemplary bravery and professionalism, neutralized two of the kidnappers, while others fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.”

The command said the operatives rescued the victim unhurt and recovered part of the ransom, adding that a pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two expanded cartridges, and one locally-made pistol, were recovered from the scene.

Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who stated that investigation is ongoing, directed operatives to apprehend the fleeing suspects, recover the remaining ransom from them and bring them to justice.

Commending the bravery and dedication of the operatives who put their lives on the line to ensure the safe rescue of the victim, Mr Adepoju assured residents of the command’s resolve to maintain law and order in the state. 

He also urged anyone with credible information about the fleeing suspects to come and assist the police.