The Nigerian Navy has recorded major operational successes in separate operations in Kogi and Rivers States, rescuing 13 kidnapped victims and arresting six suspected drug peddlers.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement.
The Navy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante personnel, rescued 13 kidnapped victims along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State on 10th August, 2026.
The joint operation followed a reported kidnapping incident, aimed at locating and rescuing the victims. Following their recovery, the victims were handed over to relevant security authorities for screening and necessary assistance.
The security team, however, encountered resistance from suspected kidnappers during the operation.
Folorunsho said;”one vigilante personnel was killed in the encounter, while a police officer sustained a gunshot injury and was evacuated for medical treatment.”
He said that security operations had been intensified in the area as efforts continued to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In Rivers State, personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base Bonny, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bonny Area Command, arrested six suspected drug peddlers during an intelligence-driven operation at Amahausa in Bonny Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the recovery of various illicit substances, including 250 tablets of Exol 5, 117 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 50 wraps of methamphetamine, 70 wraps of heroin, eight capsules of 100mg Tramadol, three packs of Cannabis Sativa and one methamphetamine pipe.
According to the Director of Naval Information, the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led action, rapid response and inter-agency cooperation in tackling criminal activities.
He said “the successes further underscored the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action, protecting lives and supporting broader national efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria’s communities and maritime environment.”
