Nineteen individuals, including eight students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), have been rescued after spending 21 harrowing days in captivity. The victims were abducted by suspected pirates in the Bille waterways within the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The group was rescued on Monday evening by the Royal Fouchee Security Services, also known as the Amama Soldiers; a local security outfit led by former militant leader and now traditional ruler of Torusaramapiri community, Asari-Dokubo.
The abduction occurred on May 6 when two boats en route to Bille were ambushed by pirates. All passengers, including the students, were taken hostage. Following the incident, there was a nationwide outcry for their immediate release. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom of ₦100 million.
According to Asari-Dokubo, the rescue mission began on Sunday after the Department of State Services sought his group’s assistance. One of the victims, who had earlier paid ₦10 million for his freedom, provided critical intelligence that helped locate the kidnappers’ camp.
“These people were kept in terrible conditions for 21 days. They were starved and badly treated. One of them, who was released after paying N10 million, helped us find the kidnappers’ camp,” he said.
He also raised alarm over a missing soldier, Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, who was on one of the boats. Only his uniform and ID card were recovered, sparking fears he may have been killed.
During the operation, one suspect, identified as Victor Friday, was arrested. Friday denied involvement in the kidnapping, claiming he merely ran errands at the camp. He named a man called Kentebe from Bayelsa State as the gang leader, who is now on the run.
One of the rescued victims, Victor Akinloye, a boat driver, shared details of the abuse they suffered. “We were beaten, stripped, and our phones and ATM cards were seized,” he said, adding that the kidnappers went on to withdraw money from their accounts.
Akinloye also helped guide the rescue team to the location, recognizing the area from his time in captivity.
Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the operation, stating, “Yes, I can confirm they were rescued on Monday evening through a joint effort by the police and the local security group.”
