Nigerian Navy Frees Abducted Individual in Rivers State

Personnel from the Nigerian Navy's Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY have successfully rescued an abducted victim, identified as Mr. Benedict Eze, in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State. The operation was a result of ongoing security efforts in the region.

Navy Captain AA Folorunsho, who serves as the Director of Naval Information, announced the successful rescue on Friday, April 3, 2026. He stated that the victim had been taken captive on March 23, 2026, in the Aganya Community.

The rescue occurred at Coconut Jetty after the kidnappers abandoned Mr. Eze around the Opuoma waterside. This action by the abductors was attributed to the significant operational pressure exerted by naval forces. Since the incident was first reported, there have been sustained, intelligence-led patrols, the deployment of technological resources, and coordinated actions both on land and within the creeks to prevent any escape routes.

The statement further explained that the persistent actions by security forces during the search ultimately led to the victim's abandonment by his captors. He was then transported to the Naval Base medical facility for necessary evaluation and debriefing.

Following the medical assessment and debriefing, Mr. Eze was safely reunited with his family. This recovery underscores the effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy's integrated maritime and land-based security operations, which are conducted in conjunction with other security agencies.

These collaborative efforts are crucial in restricting the movement of criminal elements within the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways and the adjacent creek systems. The successful operation aligns with the directive from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify operational efforts against criminal activities within the maritime domain.

The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to maintaining proactive patrols and intelligence-driven operations. The objective is to bolster security, safeguard lives and properties, and ensure that individuals involved in criminal acts are brought to justice.