Nigeria defense headquarters on Tuesday announced the rescued five expatriates abducted on May 9 by suspected militants in Rivers state by its troops.
In a statement release, the defence headquarters said it acted on credible intelligence which led to the rescue operation.
“Recall that on 9 May 2020 some foreign expatriates onboard MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO were kidnapped by unknown militants group in Yellow Island. Acting on credible intelligence a joint team from Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER and troops of 146 Battalion swiftly combed the creeks in search of the kidnapped victims, the statement read.”
“After a thorough search and rescue operation, the gallant troops raided four identified sea pirates/militants hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma. The identified camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the pirates freedom of action.
‘Consequently, in the early hours of October 6, 2020, the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the five kidnapped foreign expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront.”
Among five resuced by the security angency are three Russians, one Ukranian and one Equatorial Guinean who are now presently at NNS PATHFINDER medical centre receiving medical attention.
The military said the joint team of troops also intercepted two large wooden boats loaded with an estimated 350,000 litres of suspected stolen illegally-refined automative gas oil (AGO), and about 10,000 litres of crude oil.
The stolen petroleum products, the military added, have been moved to the base.
For today’s Top Breaking News Events and Top Stories and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Get to know all Recent and Important News Updates from Nigeria on Roundnews24.com.
