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Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko
The Rivers State Police Command said its men rescued a kidnapped victim identified as Mathew Zephaniah in Oyigbo in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The command said the feat was achieved after the deployment of some of its tactical units alongside a vigilante group to the kidnapper’s den following credible information.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and sent to newsmen.
She, however, said the miscreants opened fire on citing the operatives who responded and eventually subdued the hoodlums who fled with gunshot wounds.
The statement read, “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.
“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”.
It further read, “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 State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, 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.
He urged residents to report any individual (s) with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies for prompt action. (The PUNCH)
