The Nigerian Navy has rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against suspected sea robbers and kidnappers in the Ibeno general area of Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, conducted on September 30, 2026, followed credible intelligence about suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen, seizing their boats and stealing outboard engines.
According to a press statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team in Ibeno swiftly mobilised to the area following the report.
During the operation, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to have been operated by the criminals. The occupants reportedly fled into adjoining creeks upon sighting the naval personnel.
In the ensuing pursuit, the suspects abandoned one of the boats containing several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims, who were immediately rescued and escorted to safety.
The recovered engines have been secured for verification and further necessary action, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Navy said the operation underscored its sustained commitment to search-and-rescue operations, the protection of lives and the security of legitimate maritime activities across Nigeria’s waters.
It added that its network of ships, bases, surveillance systems and maritime quick response teams continued to support timely responses to distress situations and emerging security threats across the nation’s maritime domain.
The statement also highlighted the importance of credible intelligence and community support in combating maritime crime, urged coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information that could help prevent criminal activities and facilitate the rescue of persons in distress.
The Nigerian Navy 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 the nation’s waterways.
