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Nineteen individuals, including eight students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), who were abducted by sea pirates along the Bille-Bonny waterways in Rivers State, have been successfully rescued.
The victims were kidnapped on May 6, 2025, when pirates attacked two boats en route to Bille in the Degema Local Government Area of the state. Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of N100 million.
The hostages were freed on the evening of Monday, May 26, through the efforts of a local security outfit, the Royal Fouchee Security Services—popularly known as the Amama Soldiers. The group is led by former militant leader Asari-Dokubo, now the traditional ruler of the Torusaramapiri community in Degema.
Speaking on the operation, Asari-Dokubo said the rescue mission began on Sunday after the Department of State Services (DSS) reached out to his group for assistance. He revealed that one of the abductees had earlier paid a ransom of N10 million before being released and subsequently aided the team in locating the kidnappers’ hideout.
“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,” Asari-Dokubo stated.
He also expressed concern over a missing soldier, Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, who was aboard one of the attacked boats. Only his uniform and identity card were recovered, raising fears that he may have been killed.
One of the arrested suspects, identified as Victor Friday, denied direct involvement in the kidnapping, claiming he merely stayed at the camp and was used for errands. He alleged that the leader of the gang is a man named Kentebe from Bayelsa State, who is currently on the run.
One of the rescued victims, Victor Akinloye—a boat driver—described the ordeal, saying they were beaten, stripped naked, and robbed of their phones and ATM cards. The kidnappers reportedly withdrew money from their accounts. Akinloye later recognized the area where they had been held and helped guide the rescue team to the location.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the rescue operation.
“Yes, I can confirm they were rescued on Monday evening through a joint effort by the police and the local security group,” Iringe-Koko said.
