Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted woman during a gun battle in a forested area off Ozuaha Road in Rivers State. The operation, which took place on December 19, 2025, followed credible intelligence received by the police and is being described as a major success in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime in the state.
According to police sources, the suspects were hiding in the forest and sharing ransom money collected from the victim’s family. They were also said to be waiting for an additional payment of N1.2 million when police operatives stormed their hideout. The swift action by the police led to the rescue of the victim and the recovery of several weapons.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko. She said the operation was carried out by officers attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annexe, following a tip-off from members of the public.
According to the statement, the operation took place at about 11:30 hours in a forest area along Ozuaha Road in Emohua Local Government Area. The police said the information they received indicated that a kidnapping gang was operating in the area and holding a woman hostage.
“The Rivers State Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, has made a remarkable breakthrough,” the statement said.
It added that the rescued victim is a female from Omademe Community, whose name was withheld for security reasons. She was reportedly abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road while going about her normal activities. After her abduction, the kidnappers contacted her family and demanded a large sum of money as ransom.
Police sources said the family had already paid part of the ransom before the security operatives moved in. The kidnappers were reportedly sharing the money and discussing how to collect the remaining N1.2 million when the police arrived at the hideout.
On sighting the operatives, the suspects allegedly opened fire, leading to a gun battle. The police responded, and during the exchange, two of the kidnappers were fatally injured. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.
The rescued woman was immediately taken from the scene and rushed to a medical facility for examination and treatment. The police said she was in stable condition and has since been reunited with her family. Her relatives were said to be full of relief and gratitude to the security agencies for saving her life.
Items recovered from the kidnappers’ hideout included several assault rifles, ammunition, and other materials believed to have been used for criminal activities. The police said the weapons recovery has dealt a serious blow to criminal elements operating along the Ozuaha Road axis and nearby communities.
Superintendent Iringe-Koko said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the gang. She assured residents that the command will not relent in its determination to rid the state of criminals.
Kidnapping has been a major security concern in parts of Rivers State in recent years. Criminal gangs often target travellers and residents along highways and isolated roads, where they abduct victims and demand ransom from their families. Ozuaha Road, which links several communities in Emohua Local Government Area, has been identified as one of the areas where such crimes have occurred.
The Rivers State Government, working with security agencies, has repeatedly pledged to address the problem. Measures taken include increased patrols, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities to gather useful information.
The Anti-Cultism Unit of the police, which carried out the operation, was originally set up to tackle cult-related violence. However, its role has expanded to include other serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms. The unit has been involved in several operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.
Residents of communities around Ozuaha Road have welcomed the development. Some locals said the presence of kidnappers in the area had created fear and disrupted daily life. They expressed hope that the police action would bring lasting peace and encourage people to move freely again.
“This operation gives us hope,” said a resident who did not want his name mentioned. “People have been afraid to travel on that road, especially at certain times. We are happy the police acted fast.”
The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post. They also warned criminals that Rivers State is no longer a safe place for illegal activities.
While investigations continue, the police said they are working to identify the deceased suspects and trace the source of the weapons recovered. They also plan to intensify operations in forested areas believed to be used as hideouts by criminal gangs.
The latest incident adds to ongoing efforts by the Rivers State Police Command to improve security and restore public confidence. In recent months, the command has recorded successes in tackling cult clashes, armed robbery, and kidnapping through targeted operations and community engagement.
