By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, Mr Benedict Eze, in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State following sustained security operations by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.
The rescue operation, according to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, was the outcome of sustained intelligence-driven operations and coordinated patrols aimed at tracking down the kidnappers and securing the waterways around the area.
Eze was abducted on March 23, 2026 at Aganya Community in Bonny Local Government Area but was later rescued by naval personnel at Coconut Jetty after his captors abandoned him at the Opuoma waterside due to mounting operational pressure from security forces.
Naval authorities explained that immediately the incident was reported, personnel of FOB Bonny intensified search operations using intelligence-led patrols, technological surveillance tools and coordinated security action across land and the creeks to block possible escape routes.
The sustained operations eventually forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim, leading to his safe recovery by naval personnel.
“The victim was evacuated to the naval base medical facility for evaluation and debriefing before being safely reunited with his family,” the statement said.
The navy noted that the successful rescue demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated maritime and land-based security operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways and adjoining creeks.
The operation, the navy added, is also in line with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to intensify security operations and clamp down on criminal activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Nigerian Navy said it would continue to sustain proactive patrols and intelligence-driven operations across the waterways in order to enhance maritime security and ensure that perpetrators of criminal acts are brought to justice.
