Navy Strikes Again In Akwa Ibom, Rescues Two Kidnap Victims And Recovers Stolen Engines

The Nigerian Navy has rescued two kidnap victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation targeting sea robbery and kidnapping in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the operation was carried out on September 30, 2026, after the Navy received intelligence about suspected criminals targeting fishermen, stealing boats and outboard engines, and carrying out kidnapping activities in the area.

The Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the development in a statement, saying personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee Maritime Quick Response Team immediately moved into the area after receiving the intelligence.

According to Folorunsho, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to have been operated by the criminals. The occupants reportedly abandoned the boats and fled into nearby creeks after naval personnel began pursuing them.

One of the abandoned boats was subsequently discovered to contain several stolen outboard engines as well as two kidnapped victims.

The victims were immediately rescued and escorted to safety by the naval team, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further necessary action.

Folorunsho said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the suspects who escaped into the surrounding creeks.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding legitimate maritime activities and tackling criminal operations on the country’s waterways.

The Navy also said it would sustain its patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-led interventions as part of efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria’s maritime environment.