Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim, Mathew John Zephaniah, in a coordinated operation carried out in the Agbo-Nchia forest.

The operation, which involved tactical units and divisions under the Oyigbo Area Command, was executed in collaboration with local vigilante groups to track down the abductors.

Confirming the development in a statement yesterday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that the kidnappers opened fire on the operatives, but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the police, forcing them to abandon the victim and flee with gunshot wounds.

She said the victim was rescued unhurt, and his HP laptop and Redmi phone were recovered, along with two Android phones and a smart wristwatch suspected to belong to the kidnappers.

“The rescued victim has been debriefed and reunited with his family, bringing relief to his loved ones. The exhibits are currently in police custody, and efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang. The command urges residents to report any individual with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or other security agencies promptly,” she added.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their bravery and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property in the state.