Navy rescues two kidnapped victims in Akwa Ibom - The Guardian Nigeria News

The Nigerian Navy has rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbery and kidnapping in the Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, in a statement yesterday, said the operation was conducted on September 30, following credible intelligence about the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen, their boats and outboard engines.

Acting on the information, the Maritime Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE in Ibeno mobilised to the area to confront the suspected criminals.

During the operation, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to have been operated by the criminals.

The occupants reportedly fled into adjoining creeks after sighting the naval personnel.

The team pursued the suspects, who abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and two kidnapped victims.

The victims were immediately rescued and escorted to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further necessary action.

The Navy said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The operation, Folorunsho, said underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting lives and securing legitimate maritime activities across the country’s waterways.

He also stressed the importance of credible intelligence and community support in combating maritime crimes. He urged coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information about suspicious activities and people in distress.

He said the Navy would continue to sustain proactive patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions to protect lives and property while restricting the activities of criminal elements on Nigeria’s waterways.