Troops rescue five foreign expatriates, stolen crude oil recovered

Five foreign expatriates that were kidnapped in Yellow Island, Rivers State have been rescued by troops of Operation Delta Safe. 

In a statement released by the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche on Tuesday October 6, it was gathered that the foreigners comprised of three Russians, one Ukrainian and one Equatorial Guinean. They were abducted on May 9 by suspected pirates.

A  joint team of the Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, and troops of 146 Battalion swiftly rescued the kidnapped victims following a credible intelligence.

An estimated 350,000 litres of suspected stolen illegally refined AGO and about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil were also recovered. 

The statement read; 

“After a thorough search and rescue operation, the gallant troops raided 4 identified sea pirates/militants’ hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma.

“The identified camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the pirates freedom of action. Consequently, on the early hours of 6 October 2020, the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the 5 kidnapped foreign expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront.

“The 5 expatriates comprising 3 Russians, one Ukranian and one Equatorial Guinean are presently at NNS PATHFINDER medical centre receiving medical attention. 

“The joint team also intercepted two large wooden boats laden with an estimated 350,000 litres of suspected stolen illegally refined AGO and about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.”