The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee has rescued two kidnap victims and recovered stolen outboard engines during an operation along the Ibeno Waterways in Akwa Ibom. The Commander, Commodore Mohammed Manga, disclosed this on Wednesday in Uyo.
Sea robbery and kidnapping target fishermen along Nigeria’s coastal waterways. The Ibeno axis is a known hotspot. Criminal gangs seize fishing boats and engines, then demand ransom. Fishermen lose their livelihoods. The navy has conducted patrols in the area for years. The terrain is difficult. Creeks provide cover. Response times are slow.
Manga said the operation followed an intelligence report received by the NNS Jubilee Maritime Quick Response Team. The report disclosed suspected activities of sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen. The suspects forcibly took fishing boats and outboard engines.
Personnel of the response team, in conjunction with a community surveillance outfit, mobilised to the area. During the patrol, the navy gunboat sighted and engaged two suspected criminal boats. The encounter forced the suspects to divert into nearby creeks to evade the security forces. The suspects fled and abandoned one boat containing stolen outboard engines and two kidnapped victims.
Manga urged owners of the recovered outboard engines to provide proof of ownership to reclaim their property. He said efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects. He described the operation as a demonstration of the navy’s sustained efforts to safeguard the maritime domain.
Winners: The two rescued victims. The navy, which demonstrates capacity. Fishermen, who gain protection. The community surveillance outfit, which gains recognition. Losers: The kidnappers, who escape but lose their boat. Sea robbers, who face pressure. Fishermen without proof of ownership, who may not reclaim engines. The navy, if the suspects remain at large.
Bottom Line: Two victims rescued. Outboard engines recovered. The suspects fled. The navy responded to intelligence. The Ibeno Waterways remain dangerous. Patrols must continue.