The Nigerian Navy has rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation targeting sea robbery and kidnapping in the Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State.
The operation was conducted on September 30, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers allegedly targeting fishermen, fishing boats and outboard engines in the area.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team in Ibeno was mobilised to respond to the reported criminal activities.
According to him, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals during the operation. The occupants reportedly fled into adjoining creeks when they sighted the approaching naval personnel.
The troops pursued the suspects, who abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.
The victims were immediately rescued by the naval team 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, secure legitimate maritime activities and combat criminality across Nigeria’s waterways.
The Navy also emphasised the importance of credible intelligence and community support in strengthening maritime security, urging coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information on suspicious activities and persons in distress.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining proactive patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions to protect lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
