By ZAKAA Lazarus
The Nigerian Navy has rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbery and kidnapping in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.
The Director, Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Folorunsho said the operation on Sept. 30 followed credible intelligence on sea robbers targeting fishermen and seizing boats and engines.
He said the NNS JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno, mobilised to the area and encountered two boats operated by suspected criminals, whose occupants fled into adjoining creeks.
“The suspects abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and two kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued and escorted to safety,” he said.
He said the recovered engines were secured for verification while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.
The Navy said the operation underscores its commitment to search and rescue, protection of lives and security of legitimate maritime activities, through ships, bases, surveillance systems and quick response teams.
It urged coastal communities, fishermen and maritime stakeholders to provide timely information to prevent criminal activities.
