The Nigerian Navy has rescued three expatriates who were abducted by gunmen recently in Awoye Community, ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, South-West Region of Nigeria.
The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saidu Garba disclosed this at a briefing at the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta in Warri.
He said the Navy also arrested one of the assailants with weapons and the boats that was used to convey the victims.
Rear Admiral Garba pointed out that other members fled into the creeks with bullet injuries as a result of the superior fire power of the Navy.
Rear Admiral Garba noted that the rescue operation was carried out by the joint efforts of the Navy with Joint Task Force, JTF(Operation Delta Safe,OPDS.)
According to Rear Admiral Garba, “Following intelligence report on the activities of the group and their plans to relocate the victims to Ondo State, military units across the Niger Delta Region were placed on red alert while the criminals were constantly being monitored.
” At about 2230 on 7 Jan 20, intelligence report revealed that the abducted victims had been moved to a location around Awoye in Ilaje LGA of Ondo State.
“Accordingly, personnel of the Forward Operation Base Igbokoda were alerted of this development and laid siege for the criminals.
” In a surgical operation, the NN team rescue of all abducted expatriates comprising two Russians and one Indian.
“Also, one of the assailants was apprehended with his weapon and the boat that was used to convey the victims, while other members of the group fled into a nearby creek with bullet injuries.
“They are presently being hunted down with the support of the Community youths.
“The rescued victims have been given medical attention by a team of doctors from the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Warri and are all healthy.”
Rear Admiral Garba also warned all criminals operating in the Niger Delta that the Nigerian Navy is poised to rid the region.of all forms of illegality and would not relent until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.
“I urge all well meaning Nigerians to continue to carry out their legitimate businesses as the Nigerian.Armed Forces would ensure the right atmosphere is created for legitimate businesses to thrive.”
One of the rescued victims, Varunraj Anandan, an Indian National who spoke on behalf of his co-victims commended the Navy for coming to their rescue.
“it is because of the quick response of the Navy that we have been rescued. We have not eaten for the past six days. No food, no water. They engaged the kidnappers without a retreat.”
It would be recalled that gunmen on January 3 killed four Naval Personnel and abducted three expatriates in Age Community, Bayelsa State.
