The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed the development in a statement on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
A resident of Rivers, simply identified as Loveth, was abducted on Sept. 2 while seated in front of her shop in Port Harcourt.
Agabe said that armed men reportedly fired shots into the air, forcefully abducted Loveth, and took her away in a vehicle.
She said that following the incident, operatives of the Eleme Police Division commenced intelligence-led operations to track down the suspected kidnappers.
“The operation led police operatives to the criminal hideout where officers engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.
“Subsequently, operatives overpowered the suspected kidnappers and successfully rescued Loveth,” she said.
Agabe said that a suspected member of the gang, aged 35, was apprehended during the operation.
She further said that during the operation, police recovered a silver-coloured minibus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, and two locally made pistols.
She further said that a live ammunition, mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and a vehicle number plate marked KRK 528 HG were recovered during the operation.
The spokesperson said that the command had intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance operations to identify and apprehend other members of the gang.
Agabe said that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has assured residents of the command’s determination to protect lives and property, and bring criminal elements to justice.
She warned criminal elements operating in the state that there was no safe haven for them.
“The command will continue to deploy all lawful and available resources to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes,” he said.
The commissioner advised residents to be more vigilant due to possible heightening of crime during the ember period.
He also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to assist the police in combating crime in the state.
