Nineteen people, including eight students taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), have been rescued after being held captive for 21 days by suspected pirates in bRivers State.
The victims were abducted on May 6 when pirates attacked two boats traveling to Bille in Degema Local Government Area.
They were taken to the Bille waterways and held in harsh conditions.
Their release came on Monday evening through an operation led by a local security outfit, Royal Fouchee Security Services—also known as the Amama Soldiers—under the leadership of former militant and current traditional ruler of Torusaramapiri, Asari-Dokubo.
According to Asari-Dokubo, the operation began on Sunday following a request from the Department of State Services.
He revealed that one victim, who had earlier paid a N10 million ransom for his release, later assisted in identifying the kidnappers’ hideout.
“These people were starved and abused during their captivity.
Thanks to the help of a former victim, we located their camp and freed the others,” he said.
Asari-Dokubo also expressed concern over the fate of Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, a soldier who was among the kidnapped. Only his uniform and ID card were found, raising fears that he may have been killed.
One suspect, Victor Friday, was arrested at the scene.
He denied involvement in the abduction, claiming he only performed errands at the camp.
He identified the gang leader as a man named Kentebe from Bayelsa State, who is currently on the run.
One of the rescued victims, boat driver Victor Akinloye, described the ordeal, saying they were beaten, stripped, and had their personal belongings and money stolen.
He later helped guide the rescue team to the location based on his memory of the area.
Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the successful rescue, noting that it was the result of joint efforts between police and local security forces.