Bayelsa woman rescued after one month in kidnappers’ den

Bayelsa State Police have successfully rescued Esther Chinedu, a 42-year-old woman, who had been held captive for nearly a month. The victim was abducted on July 28, 2026, from her phone shop in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, by individuals who posed as customers.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, announced the rescue, stating that Chinedu was found unharmed in a kidnappers' hideout located in the Ogumbri Forest, South-Dajo area. The police command received a distress call on the evening of the abduction and immediately launched an intelligence operation, utilizing both digital and local sources to track the perpetrators.

During the investigation, police uncovered the kidnappers' ransom negotiations with the victim's family. The initial demand was N100 million, which was later reduced to N20 million. Operatives from the command’s Crime Response Squad, led by CSP Chris Mark, established a presence in Ogumbri Forest for five days prior to the final operation, systematically closing in on the suspects.

The raid on the kidnappers' camp occurred around 1:45 a.m., resulting in Chinedu's rescue and the arrest of one suspect, identified as 33-year-old Mark from the Akemfa 1 community. The arrested suspect reportedly confessed to his role in the abduction, detailing how the gang lured the victim by pretending to be interested in purchasing an item. He explained that they observed the woman was not adequately protected before abducting her and transporting her to their riverside camp.

The complex rescue operation involved personnel from the Crime Response Squad, the Federal Criminal Investigation Unit, and the Marine Department. The police commissioner commended the officers for their efforts, particularly those who navigated difficult riverine conditions during the pursuit. He also acknowledged the logistical support provided by the Bayelsa State Government. Adewale issued a stern warning to criminals, assuring them that the command would continue its pursuit.

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They surveyed the environment and saw that the woman was not sufficiently protected. They abducted her, put her in a vehicle and moved her to the riverside, where she was ferried to the camp.