The Nigerian Navy has foiled a sea robbery and kidnapping operation in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State, rescuing two kidnapped victims and recovering several stolen outboard engines.

The operation was conducted on September 30 by the Maritime Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE, Ibeno, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected sea robbers and kidnappers operating in the area.

The suspects were reportedly targeting fishermen, forcibly taking away their fishing boats and stealing outboard engines.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals during the operation.

He said the occupants fled into adjoining creeks after sighting the naval team, prompting the personnel to give chase.

During the pursuit, the suspects abandoned one of the boats, which was found to contain several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.

The naval team immediately rescued the victims and escorted them to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further necessary action.

The Navy said efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s sustained commitment to protecting lives and legitimate maritime activities across the country’s waterways.

He added that the Navy’s network of ships, bases, surveillance systems and maritime quick response teams continued to provide timely responses to distress situations and emerging security threats within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The Navy urged coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely intelligence to security agencies to assist in preventing criminal activities and responding to persons in distress.

It said it would sustain proactive patrols, search and rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at protecting lives and property while denying criminal elements freedom of action in Nigeria’s waterways.