JTF, Youths Rescue French National From Kidnappers

[Shola Sholaz]

A missing 28-year-old French national, Benjamin Élan, working on board a chemical vessel, was yesterday, rescued from the kidnappers' den by operatives of the Joint Task Force code named Operation Pulo Shield in collaboration with youths of Amatu community of Bayelsa State in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
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Élan, the chief officer of the ship was among the missing 15 crew of the chemical tanker, Adour, was attacked by suspected pirates June 13, 2013, some 30 nautical miles off Lome, Togo.
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The chemical tanker was said to have discharged the cargo of STS into the port and left when suspected pirates struck, took control of the ship and changed its course to Nigeria.
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Vanguard reliably learnt that the chemical tanker is registered in Marseille, France and is owned and operated by the French company Sea Tankers Shipping.