The Nigeria Navy said it rescued three Indian nationals working for C F Offshore, kidnapped in Bayelsa State last Wednesday from a criminal hideout in Ajudaigbo, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.
Commander, Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Captain Musa Gemu, handed over the victims, Ratan Debnath, Manjeet Gahlawat and Mayank Saini, chief engineer, captain and chief officer respectively, to a representative of the company in Warri, on Saturday afternoon.
He disclosed that the rescue of the trio, abducted 70 nautical miles, off Brass, from a merchant ship was facilitated by the Delta Waterways Security Commitee, DWSC, Warri, which gave relevant information to the Nigeria Navy on the den of the criminals in Ajudaigbo forest, Ugborodo.
Captain Gemu said the Indian nationals were kidnapped for financial reasons, but no ransom was paid before naval personnel swooped on the hideout.
“None of the kidnappers was arrested because they fled and abandoned the hostages when they sighted our men approaching,” he added.
The navy boss said some items, including outboard engine and personal belongings were removed from the ship. He, however, said the victims were rescued unhurt and safely handed over to their employers.
“Our kidnappers were armed, they came in a speedboat shooting and ordered us to enter their boat. They took us inside a forest, it was a rough experience, not what I wish for anybody,” one of the rescued seafarers said.
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