Navy Rescues 15 Passengers, Recovers Cargo Boat From Suspected Kidnappers

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have rescued 15 passengers on board a local commercial boat from suspected kidnappers along the Bonny River in Rivers State.

The Base Operations Officer of Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NNFOB), Bonny, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Al-Mustapha who disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt, said the incident occurred during the weekend.

Al-Mustapha said the NNFOB Bonny’s Anti-Kidnapping team rescued the boat and its crew after suspected armed kidnappers commandeered it into a creek around Opuadakiri Creek along the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route.

“On Friday 28 March, 2025, FOB BONNY Anti-Kidnapping Team embarked on routine patrol around Bonny Anchorage, Open Water and Yellow Platform up to the limit of the Base’s Area of Operation.

“During the patrol, security checks were carried out on passenger boats plying through the area.

“At about 02:20 pm, the team received a report that 15 passengers in a Market Boat were forced into a creek by unknown armed men suspected to be kidnappers around Opuadakiri Community.

“On receipt of the report, FOB BONNY patrol team swiftly moved into the creek in pursuit. However, on sighting the naval gunboats, the criminals abandoned the boat and escaped.

“FOB BONNY patrol team rescued the victims unhurt,” the statement said.

He added that useful information regarding the suspects have been gathered from the rescued victims after a debriefing session.

“A debrief of the victims, revealed that the incident occurred when the Market Boat was en route Port Harcourt from Bonny Island.

“Also, the boat driver revealed that the suspected kidnappers were 4 in number while one man was armed with a rifle.

“On completion of the debrief, the 15 passengers and the Market Boat were escorted to their destination safely,” he said.

Al-Mustapha assured that patrols around the general impacted area would be sustained.

“Consequent upon this, the Base has activated measures to establish the pattern of life of the miscreants in order to dislocate them and deny them freedom of action in carrying out further kidnap for ransom activities,” he assured.