Nigerian Navy has rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State after an intelligence-led operation against suspected sea robbers targeting fishermen in the coastal community.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Abidemi Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement that the operation was carried out on September 30 by the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team following credible reports of attacks on fishermen in the area.
The naval operation was launched after suspected criminals allegedly began abducting fishermen, stealing their boats and carting away their outboard engines, raising concerns over the safety of coastal communities and the impact of maritime crimes on fishing activities.
The Navy said its personnel swiftly responded to the intelligence and moved into the Ibeno general area, where they successfully rescued two victims and recovered several stolen fishing engines believed to have been taken during previous attacks.
The latest intervention highlights the security challenges faced by fishermen who depend on coastal waters for their livelihoods, as criminal activities continue to threaten lives, property and economic activities in maritime communities.
According to the Navy, the successful operation underscores the importance of timely information sharing and collaboration between security agencies and local communities in tackling sea robbery, kidnapping and other maritime offences.
The service urged fishermen, coastal residents and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security authorities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in preventing attacks and supporting rescue efforts.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustained patrols, intelligence-driven operations and search-and-rescue missions aimed at protecting lives, securing the nation’s waterways and curbing criminal activities across Nigeria’s maritime domain.