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Local government

Rivers State Police Command Neutralizes Suspected Kidnapper During Crossfire

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Operatives of the Rivers State Police command have successfully neutralized a suspected kidnapper who attempted to evade arrest during a crossfire between the police and kidnappers at their hideout in a forest at Umuechem Community, Etche Local Government Area. The incident occurred while investigating the kidnap of a 13-year-old female victim, who was rescued unhurt. The suspected kidnapper, identified as Chizoba Andrew Obi, a 36-year-old male suspect, was killed during the shootout and pronounced dead at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 13-year-old female victim was kidnapped on June 5, 2025, while on an errand for her mother in Umuebule community, Etche Local Government Area.
  • The kidnappers demanded a ransom of two million Naira (N2,000,000) in exchange for the victim's safe release.
  • Operatives from the C4i Intelligence unit arrested a 24-year-old female suspect suspected to be the subscriber of the SIM cards linked to the ransom demands.
  • Further investigation led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Chizoba Andrew Obi, who confessed to being a serial kidnapping kingpin operating with a four-man gang.
  • A shootout between the police and kidnappers resulted in the neutralization of the suspected kidnapper, who was killed in the crossfire and rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
  • The victim was rescued unhurt and the kidnappers' operational weapons were recovered during the operation.
  • The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the bravery of the operatives and reaffirmed the command's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

Statistics:

  • One suspected kidnapper was killed in the crossfire.
  • One locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from the kidnappers' hideout.
  • A 13-year-old female victim was rescued unhurt.
  • A ransom of two million Naira (N2,000,000) was demanded by the kidnappers.
  • Four-man gang operated with the principal suspect.
  • The incident occurred on June 10, 2025, at about 1600hrs.

Sources:

  • A press statement by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer.
  • Commissioner of Police Olugbenga A. Adepoju.
  • University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

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