By Nkechi Eze
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 operation, conducted on September 30, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen and forcibly taking away fishing boats and outboard engines.
According to an official statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director, Naval Information, the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team in Ibeno was mobilised to the area following the intelligence to counter the criminal activities.
During the operation, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals, causing the occupants to flee into adjoining creeks.
In the ensuing pursuit, the suspects abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.
The victims were immediately rescued by the naval team and escorted to safety, while the recovered outboard engines were secured for verification and further necessary action.
The Navy said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The operation, it added, underscored the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to search and rescue operations, protection of lives and security of legitimate maritime activities across Nigeria’s waters.
The Navy also stressed the importance of credible intelligence and community support in strengthening maritime security, urging coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and facilitating rapid response to persons in distress.
The Nigerian Navy said it would continue to sustain proactive patrols, search and rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions to protect lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in the nation’s waterways.
