The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during a targeted operation against sea robbery and kidnapping in Akwa Ibom State.

The operation was carried out on Wednesday, October 1, in the Ibeno general area of the state. It was executed by the Maritime Quick Response Team attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, based in Ibeno.

According to an operational report released on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the mission was launched following credible intelligence received about the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers who have been terrorizing local fishermen, forcibly taking their fishing boats and outboard engines.

Acting on the intelligence, the NNS Jubilee team swiftly mobilized to the area to counter the threat.

“During the operation, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals. When the occupants saw the operatives, they fled into the adjoining creeks,” Captain Folorunsho stated.

He explained that the naval personnel gave chase, which forced the suspects to abandon one of the boats in an attempt to escape. Upon searching the abandoned vessel, the team discovered several stolen outboard engines and two victims who had been kidnapped.

“The two kidnapped victims were immediately rescued by the naval team and escorted to safety. The recovered outboard engines were secured for verification and further necessary action,” he added.

Captain Folorunsho noted that efforts are currently ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects who escaped into the creeks.

Corroborating the report, the Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore Mohammed Manga, disclosed in Uyo that the rescue highlights the Navy’s responsiveness to distress calls from coastal communities. He also called on fishermen and boat owners in the area who have lost outboard engines to sea pirates to come forward with proof of ownership to claim their property.

The naval spokesman emphasized that the successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to search and rescue, the protection of lives, and the security of legitimate maritime activities across the nation’s waters.

He added that through its network of ships, bases, surveillance systems, and maritime quick response teams, the Navy will continue to maintain a strong presence across the maritime domain to enable timely responses to distress situations and emerging security threats.

He also stressed the importance of credible intelligence and community support, urging coastal residents to continue sharing information that can help enhance maritime security.