The Defence Headquarters said on Tuesday that troops of Operation Delta Safe overran identified sea pirates/militants hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma and rescued five expatriates who were kidnapped in May.
The expatriates were kidnapped on May 9, onboard MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO, by unknown militants group in Yellow Island.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.Gen. John Enenche, who made known their rescue via a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said that a joint team from Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder and troops of 146 Battalion combed the creeks in search of the kidnapped victims following credible intelligence.
He said after a thorough search and rescue operation, the gallant troops raided and destroyed the hideouts to deny the pirates freedom of action.
Enenche in the statement explained further: “Consequently, in the early hours of Oct. 6, the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the five kidnapped expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront.
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“The five expatriates comprising three Russians, one Ukranian and one Equatorial Guinean are presently at NNS Pathfinder medical centre receiving medical attention.”
The military spokesman 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 that the stolen petroleum products had been recovered to the Base.
He said the Military High Command commended the gallant troops for their resilience and encouraged them to sustain the tempo against the enemies of our country.
“The general public is always encouraged to support the troops by providing credible intelligence that will aid the operations,” he added.
