Agorehmi Bright, Reporting
The Bayelsa State Police Command has rescued a 42-year-old woman, Esther Chinedu, who was abducted in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, after spending nearly a month in captivity.
Chinedu, an indigene of Ebonyi State and resident of Amassoma, was reportedly kidnapped on July 28, 2026, when suspected kidnappers allegedly entered her foam-selling shop under the guise of making a purchase.
The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, disclosed this on Sunday whilst briefing journalists on the successful operation.
According to him, the victim was rescued unhurt from the kidnappers’ hideout in Ogobiri Forest, Southern Ijaw, by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.
Intelligence-Led Operation
Adewale said the command received a distress call at about 7 p.m. on the day of the abduction and immediately activated its intelligence network to track the perpetrators and secure the victim’s release.
He explained that intelligence gathered through digital and local sources enabled the police to identify and monitor the kidnappers, including their ransom negotiations with the victim’s family.
The CP said the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million as ransom but later reduced the amount to N20 million. He added that the suspects allegedly collected an additional N1.5 million from the victim’s husband under the guise of providing refreshments.
Adewale disclosed that police operatives moved into Ogobiri Forest five days before the final operation, gradually closing in on the kidnappers’ hideout.
He said the operatives eventually stormed the camp at about 1:45 a.m., rescuing Chinedu unhurt and arresting one of the suspected kidnappers.
Suspect Confesses
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Mark from Akemfa One community, allegedly confessed to participating in the abduction and provided useful information on the gang’s activities.
The commissioner said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects had carefully surveyed the area before approaching Chinedu’s shop under the pretext of purchasing foam.
He said the kidnappers allegedly exploited what they perceived as security lapses, abducted the woman and moved her to the riverside before transporting her by boat to the forest hideout.
Multi-Unit Operation
The rescue operation involved personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit, the Federal Criminal Investigation Unit and the Marine Department.
CP Adewale commended the officers and men who participated in the operation, particularly those who endured the challenging riverine terrain and difficult conditions in tracking the suspects.
He assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
The police said investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the gang and bring them to justice.
