Nigerian Navy rescues kidnap victim in Rivers

Cityscope, Crime Diary

PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy has rescued a kidnapped victim, Mr Benedict Eze, in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, southern Nigeria, following sustained security operations by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny.

The victim, who was abducted on 23 March 2026 at Aganya Community, was rescued at Coconut Jetty after his captors abandoned him around the Opuoma waterside due to intensified operational pressure. Naval personnel had mounted intelligence‑led patrols, deployed technological enablers, and coordinated actions on land and across the creeks to block possible escape routes since the incident was first reported.

According to a statement, Friday, signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the sustained search efforts eventually forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim. Eze was evacuated to the Naval Base medical facility for evaluation and debriefing before being safely reunited with his family.

The recovery underscores the effectiveness of coordinated maritime and land‑based security operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with other agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of movement within the Bonny–Port Harcourt waterways and adjoining creeks.

The development also aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to intensify operational efforts against criminal activities in the maritime domain. The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining proactive patrols and intelligence‑driven operations to enhance security, protect lives and property, and bring perpetrators of criminal acts to justice.