The Nigerian Military says it has rescued five expatriates kidnapped by pirates/militants in the Niger Delta region.
They are three Russians, one Ukrainian and one person from Equitorial Guinea.
The expatriates, onboard MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO, were kidnapped by unknown militants group in Yellow Island on May 9, 2020.
Maj. Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator Defence Media Operations, said a joint team from Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER and troops of 146 Battalion had since combed the creeks in search of the kidnapped victims.
According to him, after a thorough search and rescue operation, the troops raided four identified sea pirates/militants hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma. He added that the identified hideouts 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 five kidnapped foreign expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront, ” Enenche said.
He said the rescued expatriates had been taken to NNS PATHFINDER medical centre for medical attention.
Enenche said 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.
He said the stolen petroleum products had been recovered to the Base.