ABUJA — The Nigerian Navy, in separate operations in Kogi and Rivers states, has rescued 13 kidnapped victims and arrested six suspected drug peddlers.
Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this on Wednesday.
He said the 13 victims were rescued on August 10 along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State during a joint operation involving the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes.
According to him, the operation was launched following a reported kidnapping incident, with the rescued victims subsequently handed over to the appropriate security authorities for screening and assistance.
“During the operation, the joint team encountered resistance from suspected kidnappers,” Folorunsho said.
He said one vigilante operative was killed during the confrontation, while a police officer sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated for medical treatment.
“Security operations have since been intensified in the general area as efforts continue to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects,” he added.
In Rivers State, Folorunsho said personnel of Forward Operating Base Bonny, working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bonny Area Command, arrested six suspected drug peddlers during an intelligence-led operation at Amahausa in Bonny Local Government Area.
He said the operation led to the recovery of 250 tablets of Exol 5, 117 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 50 wraps of methamphetamine, 70 wraps of heroin, eight 100mg Tramadol capsules, three packs of Cannabis Sativa and one methamphetamine pipe.
Folorunsho said the two operations demonstrated the impact of intelligence-led operations, rapid response and inter-agency cooperation in combating criminal activities.
He added that the operations underscored the Navy’s commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action, protecting lives and supporting broader national security efforts.
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