Navy Rescues Kidnap Victim in Bonny, Intensifies Grip on Rivers Waterways

Navy Rescues Kidnap Victim in Bonny, Intensifies Grip on Rivers Waterways

The Nigerian Navy has rescued a kidnapped victim in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, reinforcing what it described as sustained dominance over criminal activities along the state’s waterways.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, said the victim, identified as Benedict Eze, was freed following coordinated operations by personnel of the Nigerian Navy attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

Eze was abducted on March 23, 2026, at Aganya Community but was later found at Coconut Jetty after his captors reportedly abandoned him under pressure from intensified naval operations around the creeks and adjoining waterways.

“The victim was rescued after being abandoned by his captors around the Opuoma waterside due to sustained operational pressure mounted by naval personnel,” the statement said.

Folorunsho explained that the operation involved intelligence-led patrols, the deployment of surveillance technology and coordinated actions on both land and water to restrict escape routes.

According to him, the sustained efforts eventually forced the kidnappers to flee, leaving the victim behind.

He added that the rescued victim was immediately taken to a naval medical facility for evaluation and debriefing before being reunited with his family.

“The victim was subsequently evacuated to the Naval Base medical facility for necessary checks and has since been safely reunited with his family,” he said.

The Navy noted that the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of joint security efforts aimed at curbing criminal activities within the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways.

It also said the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to intensify actions against maritime crimes across the country.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Navy said it would continue to sustain proactive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to safeguard lives and property, while ensuring that perpetrators of criminal acts are brought to justice.