5 Foreigners Rescued from Notorious Kidnappers

In the Niger Delta, five abducted foreigners were saved as they were rescued by Operation Delta Safe troops.

The troops also dislodged a hideout of known sea pirates / militants at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma. The Supervisor, Defence Media Activities, Maj.-Gen., confirmed this. John Enenche, in a Tuesday quote.

In particular, Enenche said that some expatriates on board MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO were kidnapped in Yellow Island on May 9, 2020 by an unknown group of militants. He reported that the Forward Operating Base Bonny Joint Team, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, and 146 Battalion troops combed the creeks in pursuit of abducted expatriates acting on reliable intelligence.

In addition, he stated that after a thorough search and rescue operation; the gallant troops raided and destroyed the hideouts to deny the pirates freedom of action.

“Consequently, in the early hours of October 6, the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation; surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the five kidnapped expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront.’’

He announced that five expatriates, including three Russians, one Ukrainian and one Equatorial Guinean, are currently receiving medical treatment.

Enenche further revealed that two big wooden boats were also intercepted by the joint team. He said the vessels were loaded with an estimated 350,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO stolen, as well as about 10,000 litres of crude oil stolen.

The stolen petroleum products had been recovered to the Base.

“The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for their resilience and encourages them to sustain the tempo against the enemies of our country. The general public is always encouraged to support the troops by providing credible intelligence that will aid the operations,” he said.