Nineteen Kidnapping Victims Rescued After 21 Days in Pirates’ Captivity Along Rivers State Waterways

In a dramatic turn of events, nineteen people—including eight students preparing for the crucial West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)—have been successfully rescued after being held captive by sea pirates for nearly three weeks along the Bille-Bonny waterways in Rivers State. This daring rescue operation, carried out on the evening of Monday, May 26, 2025, marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against piracy and kidnapping in Nigeria’s riverine communities.

Background: The Abduction Incident

The victims were kidnapped on May 6, 2025, when armed sea pirates launched an attack on two boats en route to Bille, a town located within the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The pirates hijacked the vessels and took the passengers hostage, demanding a staggering ransom of 100 million Naira from the families of the abductees. This heinous act sent shockwaves throughout the community, especially given the vulnerable status of the victims, who included young students on the brink of taking important national exams.

The incident highlighted the growing insecurity on Nigeria’s waterways, which has become a breeding ground for piracy and criminal activities, threatening both lives and economic activities in the region. Families were left devastated and anxious as they awaited any news of their loved ones, with some even trying to negotiate with the kidnappers.

The Rescue Operation: How It Unfolded

The breakthrough came when the Royal Fouchee Security Services, a local security group also known as the Amama Soldiers, took charge of the rescue mission. This group is led by the well-known former militant leader turned traditional ruler of the Torusaramapiri community in Degema, Asari-Dokubo. His leadership and intimate knowledge of the local terrain proved pivotal in the operation.

Speaking about the rescue, Asari-Dokubo revealed that the operation began in earnest on Sunday, May 25, after the Department of State Services (DSS) formally requested their assistance. “We started the operation on Sunday after the DSS reached out to us for help,” he said, underlining the cooperation between local vigilante forces and federal security agencies.

One critical piece of information that facilitated the rescue came from one of the victims who had earlier been released after paying a ransom of 10 million Naira. This individual’s courage and cooperation were vital, as he helped the team locate the kidnappers’ hideout. Asari-Dokubo described the conditions in which the captives were held, painting a grim picture of their ordeal: “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.”

Horrific Treatment of the Victims

The rescued victims have recounted harrowing experiences of abuse and deprivation during their captivity. Victor Akinloye, a boat driver among the kidnapped, described how they were subjected to physical abuse, stripped naked, and had their personal belongings confiscated by the kidnappers. The captives’ phones and ATM cards were seized, and the criminals used these cards to withdraw money from their bank accounts, adding financial theft to the trauma.

Akinloye’s detailed recollection of the location where they were kept proved instrumental in guiding the rescue team. “I recognized the area where we were held, and a few days later, I was able to help lead the rescue team to the location,” he said. His assistance, combined with intelligence from security forces and local operatives, culminated in the successful recovery of all nineteen hostages.

The Tragic Case of the Missing Soldier

While the rescue brought relief to many families, it also raised troubling questions about the fate of a missing soldier, Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, who was aboard one of the attacked boats. Only his uniform and identification card have been recovered so far, raising fears that he may have been killed during the attack or in captivity.

Asari-Dokubo expressed his concern about the soldier’s whereabouts and the lack of concrete information about his status. The loss of a serviceman in such circumstances underscores the dangers faced by security personnel operating in these volatile riverine areas and highlights the need for more robust protection and rescue mechanisms.

Arrest and Investigation of Suspects

Following the rescue, law enforcement authorities apprehended some suspects believed to be involved in the kidnapping. One of those arrested, Victor Friday, denied any direct involvement in the abduction itself. According to him, his role was limited to staying in the camp and running errands for the gang.

Victor Friday implicated another man named Kentebe, reportedly from Bayelsa State, as the leader of the pirate gang. Kentebe is currently at large, and authorities are intensifying efforts to track him down. The involvement of suspects from neighboring states points to a wider network of criminals operating across state boundaries, complicating efforts to curb piracy and kidnapping in the region.

Official Confirmation from Police Authorities

The Rivers State Police Command has officially confirmed the successful rescue of the hostages. The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, emphasized that the operation was a collaborative effort between the police force and local security operatives. “Yes, I can confirm they were rescued on Monday evening through a joint effort by the police and the local security group,” Iringe-Koko stated.

The police continue to investigate the matter, aiming to dismantle the pirate gangs and bring all perpetrators to justice. This rescue operation serves as a hopeful example of what coordinated security efforts can achieve even in difficult environments.

Broader Context: Piracy and Kidnapping in the Niger Delta

This kidnapping incident is one of many that have plagued the Niger Delta region over the past decade. The waterways, while vital for transportation and economic activities, have increasingly become hotspots for criminal gangs involved in piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom. These activities have led to loss of lives, disruption of commerce, and heightened insecurity in riverine communities.

Efforts by the Nigerian government, including increased naval patrols and community-based security initiatives, have had varying degrees of success. The involvement of local groups like the Royal Fouchee Security Services demonstrates the crucial role community leaders and vigilante groups can play in combating insecurity on the waterways.

However, the persistence of such attacks points to the need for more comprehensive solutions that combine security, economic development, and social interventions to address the root causes of piracy and criminality in the region.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Restoring Security

The rescue of nineteen kidnapped victims—including students preparing for their WASSCE exams—after 21 days in captivity is a major relief to their families and the broader Rivers State community. It underscores the importance of collaboration between local security groups, traditional leaders, and federal agencies in tackling the complex challenge of piracy and kidnapping on Nigeria’s waterways.

Asari-Dokubo’s leadership and the bravery of the victims, especially the one who paid ransom and later helped track down the kidnappers, highlight how courage and cooperation can help save lives. Nevertheless, the unresolved fate of Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim and the ongoing manhunt for key suspects remind us that the fight against insecurity in the Niger Delta is far from over.

For NaijaRush readers, this story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by many Nigerians living and working in vulnerable regions and the continuous need for vigilance, solidarity, and effective security measures to protect lives and livelihoods.