In a display of swift and decisive action, the Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued 15 passengers from a cargo boat targeted by suspected kidnappers along the Bonny River in Port Harcourt. The operation, conducted by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (NNFOB) Bonny, underscores the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding maritime security in the region.
Sirajo Almustapha, the Base Operations Officer of NNFOB Bonny, reported that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon when armed individuals commandeered the vessel, forcing it into a creek near the Opuadakiri community along the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route.
“During routine patrols and security checks of passenger boats traversing the area, our team received an urgent report at approximately 2:20 PM,” Almustapha stated. “The report indicated that 15 passengers aboard a market boat had been forcibly diverted into a creek by suspected armed kidnappers.”
Responding with urgency, the NNFOB Bonny anti-kidnapping team immediately deployed gunboats into the creek. Upon sighting the naval vessels, the assailants abandoned the boat and fled, allowing the Navy to rescue the passengers unharmed.
Africa Update gathered that the rescued boat was en route to Port Harcourt from Bonny Island. Crew members reported that the suspected kidnappers consisted of four individuals, one of whom was armed with a rifle.
Almustapha emphasised that the Nigerian Navy has implemented strategic measures to apprehend the fleeing suspects and enhance security along the waterways. This operation reaffirms the Navy’s dedication to maintaining safe and secure maritime operations, ensuring the protection of lives and property in the region.
