The Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, Mathew John Zephaniah, in a daring operation that took place in the Agbo-Nchia Forest, Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the operation was executed following credible intelligence and carried out in collaboration with the Onelga Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), a local vigilante group.
Tactical operatives from various divisions under the Oyigbo Area Command were swiftly mobilized to the kidnappers’ hideout. Upon arrival at the forest den, the suspects, upon sighting the advancing police operatives, opened fire, sparking a gun battle.
However, the kidnappers were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the police and fled the scene with gunshot wounds, abandoning their captive.
Mathew John Zephaniah was rescued unharmed during the operation. He was immediately debriefed and has since been reunited with his family.
Recovered from the scene were the victim’s HP laptop and Redmi mobile phone, along with two Android phones and a smart wristwatch believed to belong to the fleeing kidnappers. All recovered items are currently in police custody and are being treated as evidence.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, with the police urging the public to assist by reporting any person found with unexplained or suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or security agency.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, praised the swift and strategic execution of the rescue. He reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Rivers State.
“The success of this operation underscores our determination to rid Rivers State of criminal elements,” CP Adepoju said, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement agencies.