By Saminu Ibrahim
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 Wednesday, September 30, 2026, followed intelligence on suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen and forcibly taking away fishing boats and outboard engines.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team in Ibeno was immediately deployed to the area following the intelligence.
During the operation, the naval team sighted two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals, prompting the occupants to flee into adjoining creeks.
The naval personnel pursued the suspects, who abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.
The victims were immediately rescued and escorted to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further necessary action.
The Navy said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
It described the operation as part of its sustained efforts to protect lives, combat maritime crimes and safeguard legitimate activities across Nigeria’s waterways.
According to the statement, the success of the operation also highlighted the importance of credible intelligence and community support in tackling maritime insecurity.
The Navy urged coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to continue providing timely information to security agencies to help prevent criminal activities and facilitate rapid response to persons in distress.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining proactive patrols, search and rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at protecting lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
