Agents from the Rivers State Police Command have made a noteworthy breakthrough in their efforts to apprehend the kidnapper who took a famous hotelier in the state hostage. On December 19, 2023, the victim was kidnapped from his home in Port Harcourt, and a large ransom of N25 million was paid to secure his release.
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu, provided details during a briefing at the state police headquarters in Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. According to him, the victim’s wife approached the police when the kidnappers failed to release her husband, even after the substantial ransom was delivered. The CP revealed that the criminals had shot the victim three times in the leg during the abduction.
Despite the family’s decision to pay the ransom without involving law enforcement initially, the situation changed when the kidnappers reneged on their promise. On December 30, the victim’s wife finally reported the incident to the police, prompting swift action from the C4I Intelligence unit.
Following the crime report, the police mobilized officers and personnel to track the kidnappers to their hideout. The CP disclosed that, on Monday at around 7:00 am, the police raided the kidnappers’ camp, successfully rescuing the injured victim.
Providing insight into the police operation, Disu stated, “At a particular time, towards the end of December, early this month (January), our officers had an encounter with them (kidnappers), but the kidnappers escaped, noticing that the officers of the command had noticed the kind of vehicle and the colour, they decided to take their two operational vehicles to the panel beater for the colours to be changed.”
Continuing the operation, the police discovered the victim’s location and executed a rescue mission in the Agbochia forest. The victim has since been admitted to a health facility for treatment.
During the operation, the police seized an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 44 live ammunitions. Additionally, two Lexus SUVs used by the kidnappers in their criminal activities were recovered.
CP Olatunji Disu emphasized the commitment of the police to track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate who managed to escape, ensuring that they face the full force of the law.
