In a series of coordinated military operations, the Nigerian Army and Navy have successfully rescued 35 kidnap victims in Taraba and Rivers states, reaffirming the security forces’ commitment to combating criminal activities across the country.
Navy Foils Hijacking, Saves 15 in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy‘s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny, Rivers State, rescued 15 passengers over the weekend after their boat was hijacked by armed men. The attack occurred as the market boat, traveling from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt, was ambushed by four unidentified gunmen.
The assailants diverted the vessel towards a creek in an attempt to escape security forces, but the Navy swiftly responded after receiving a distress call around 2:20 p.m. Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, Base Operations Officer of the NNFOB, said the Navy’s anti-kidnapping team tracked the criminals to Opuadakiri Creek along the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route.
“Upon sighting our approaching gunboats, the kidnappers abandoned the passengers and fled into the dense creek terrain,” Almustapha said. “All 15 passengers were rescued unharmed and escorted safely to their destination.”
The Navy has since increased patrols in the region, emphasizing its commitment to maritime security under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Army Troops Free 20 Captives in Taraba
In a separate daring rescue mission, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade successfully freed 20 kidnapped victims along the Takum/Mararaba Road in Taraba State.
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Acting on intelligence, soldiers launched an operation at around 9:50 p.m. in Muji town, engaging the abductors in a fierce gunfight. Outgunned, the criminals abandoned their hostages and fled into the surrounding forest.
Security sources confirmed that among the rescued victims were Yakubu Usman of Angwan Abuja and Godwin Peter of Angwan Dadin Kowa, who sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Troops also recovered vehicles abandoned at the scene, further weakening the kidnappers’ operational capacity.
With the military intensifying counter-kidnapping operations nationwide, authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.