Eight students taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and 11 others who were kidnapped by suspected pirates in Rivers State have been freed after enduring 21 traumatic days in captivity.
The victims were abducted on May 6, 2025, when two passenger boats heading to Bille in Degema Local Government Area were attacked on the waterways. All passengers on board were seized and taken to a secluded camp deep in the Bille creeks. The kidnappers would later contact the victimsโ families, demanding a ransom of N100 million.
The hostages were rescued on Monday evening during a coordinated operation led by Royal Fouchee Security Services, also known as the Amama Soldiers which is a local security group headed by former Niger Delta militant leader, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo. Dokubo stated that the mission was initiated following a request from the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, the rescue operation began on Sunday. One of the victims, who had earlier paid N10 million to the abductors, later assisted the team in locating the kidnappers’ camp.
Speaking to newsmen during press briefing, Dokubo said:
โThey were held in horrible conditions for 21 days, starved and mistreated. One victim, after paying N10 million for his release, provided us with critical information that led us to the hideout.โ
Among those rescued was Victor Akinloye, a boat driver, who recounted the abuse they suffered. He said they were beaten, stripped of their clothes, and had their phones and ATM cards stolen. The kidnappers also withdrew funds from their accounts.
One suspect, Victor Friday, was reportedly apprehended during the operation. He denied involvement in the kidnapping but admitted staying at the camp and running errands. He identified the groupโs leader as Kentebe from Bayelsa State.
Meanwhile, concern remains over the fate of Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, a soldier reportedly on board one of the attacked boats. Only his uniform and ID card have been recovered, raising fears that he may have been killed.
Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the rescue. In his words:
โI can confirm they were rescued on Monday evening through a joint effort by the police and the local security outfit.โ
The incident highlights ongoing security threats in the Niger Deltaโs riverine areas, where piracy and armed gangs continue to endanger transportation and public safety.
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