By Augustine Osayande
Joint team from Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship, PATHFINDER and troops of 146 Battalion have rescued some foreign expatriates onboard MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO who were kidnapped by unknown militants’ group in Yellow Island.
Confirming the report, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche said the troops acted on credible intelligence and swiftly combed the creeks in search of the kidnapped victims.
He said after a thorough search and rescue operation, the troops raided 4 identified sea pirates/militants’ hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma.
Enenche said the identified camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the pirates freedom of action.
He added that the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the 5 kidnapped foreign expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront.
Enenche said the 5 expatriates comprising 3 Russians, one Ukranian and one Equatorial Guinean were presently at NNS PATHFINDER medical centre, receiving medical attention.
Meanwhile the joint team also intercepted 2 large wooden boats laden with an estimated 350,000 litres of suspected to be stolen illegally refined AGO and about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
The stolen petroleum products have been recovered to the Base.
Enenche said the Military High Command commended the troops for their resilience and encouraged them to sustain the tempo against the enemies of the country.
He encouraged the general public to always support the troops by providing credible intelligence that would aid the operations.
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