Richard Ginika Izuora
Military operatives operating as Operation Delta Safe have freed five kidnapped expatriates in the Niger Delta.
Also, the troops dislodged an identified sea pirates/militants hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma.
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday.
Enenche said that some expatriates onboard MT RIO MITONG and MT DJIBLOHO; were kidnapped by unknown militants group in Yellow Island on May 9, 2020.
He stated that a joint team from Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder; as well as troops of 146 Battalion combed the creeks in search of the kidnapped expatriates acting on credible intelligence.
In addition, he stated that after a thorough search and rescue operation; the gallant troops raided and destroyed the hideouts to deny the pirates freedom of action.
“Consequently, in the early hours of October 6, the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation; surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the five kidnapped expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront.’’
The five expatriates, comprising three Russians, one Ukranian and one Equatorial Guinean, he disclosed are presently receiving medical attention.
Enenche revealed that the joint team also intercepted two large wooden boats. He said the boats were laden with an estimated 350,000 litres of suspected stolen illegally refined AGO; as well as about 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
The stolen petroleum products had been recovered and moved to the Base.
“The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for their resilience and encourages 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 said.