Two kidnapped victims were found inside an abandoned boat loaded with stolen outboard engines after the Nigerian Navy disrupted a suspected sea robbery and kidnapping operation off Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.
The victims were discovered on 30 September when a Maritime Quick Response Team from Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE moved in on suspected sea robbers operating in the area.
Acting on intelligence, the naval team intercepted two boats believed to be linked to the criminals, who reportedly target fishermen, seize their boats and steal outboard engines.
The suspects fled into nearby creeks when they spotted the naval personnel, triggering a pursuit.
One of the boats was abandoned during the chase, with the two victims and several outboard engines found on board.
The Navy rescued the victims and escorted them to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification. The suspects remained at large as efforts continued to track them down.
Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s continued efforts to protect lives and legitimate maritime activities along Nigeria’s waterways.
The Navy urged fishermen, coastal communities and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely intelligence on suspicious activity and emergencies, saying such information was vital to its intelligence-led patrols, rescue operations and interventions.