Nineteen passengers abducted while travelling to Bille along the Isaka River, Rivers State, have been rescued after 21 days in captivity. The passengers were freed in an operation carried out by Royal Fouche Security Services Ltd., popularly known as the Amama Soldiers.

The victims had been taken by pirates to an undisclosed location, where a ransom of N100 million was demanded. A breakthrough occurred when another victim, who had earlier paid a ransom of N10 million, informed the monarch of Torusarama-Piri, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari. Acting swiftly, Dokubo-Asari mobilised his security outfit for the rescue mission.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary and Palace Spokesman, Daerefa-a Christopher Braide, the mission led to the successful rescue of 19 of the 20 abducted passengers .

However, one Nigerian Army corporal, Salisu Ibrahim, remains missing. Before handing over the rescued passengers to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dokubo-Asari condemned the kidnappers’ actions as barbaric and inhumane. He vowed that those responsible, many of whom had fled, would be apprehended and brought to justice, just as those behind the murder of entrepreneur Hope Moneymann Georgewill had been.

“The waterways of Rivers State are now safe for navigation. We urge the public to share any useful information that can help prevent future attacks. Together, we will secure our communities,” he declared.

One of the rescued boat drivers, a Bille indigene, recounted their ordeal: “We were kidnapped by gunmen from Bayelsa State and held for 21 days. They initially demanded N100 million from our families, claiming that the Bonny people had already complied and would be released first.

“We had lost hope, but then the Amama Soldiers arrived at the camp and rescued us. We thank God and the Amanyanabo. May God bless him with a long life. He deserves more support from both the federal and state governments for the great work he is doing.”