Navy rescues two victims, recovers stolen engines in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy says it has rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation in the general area of Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State. The operation took place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, according to a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho. The Navy said the operation followed credible information about suspected sea robbers and kidnappers targeting fishermen.

The criminals were also accused of forcibly taking fishing boats and outboard engines. In response, the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team in Ibeno was mobilised to the area, the statement said. It did not identify the rescued victims or provide details about where they were found.

The Navy described the recovery of the engines and the rescue of the victims as part of efforts to protect lives and legitimate maritime activities on Nigeria’s waterways. It said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence in responding to threats at sea. “The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained commitment to Search and Rescue, the protection of lives and the security of legitimate maritime activities across Nigeria’s waters,” the statement said.

The Navy urged coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information to security agencies. It said such cooperation could help prevent criminal activity and enable faster responses to people in distress. The service said it would continue proactive patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-led interventions aimed at protecting lives and property while restricting criminal groups’ freedom of action on the nation’s waterways.