Nigerian Navy Rescues 13 Kidnap Victims, Arrests Six Drug Suspects

The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant operational successes in separate operations in Kogi and Rivers states, rescuing 13 kidnapped victims and arresting six suspected drug peddlers.

The Navy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante personnel, rescued the 13 victims along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on August 10, 2026.

The coordinated search-and-rescue operation followed a reported kidnapping incident along the highway.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the rescued victims have been handed over to relevant security authorities for screening and necessary assistance.

The joint security team, however, encountered resistance from suspected kidnappers during the operation.

The confrontation resulted in the death of one vigilante personnel, while a police officer sustained a gunshot injury and was evacuated for medical attention.

The Navy said security operations had been intensified in the area as efforts continued to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In a separate operation in Rivers State, personnel of the Navy's Forward Operating Base Bonny, working in conjunction with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bonny Area Command, arrested six suspected drug peddlers at Amahausa in Bonny Local Government Area.

The intelligence-driven 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.

The Navy said the operations underscored the growing impact of intelligence-led action, rapid response and inter-agency cooperation in tackling criminal activities across the country.

It reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action, protecting lives and supporting broader national efforts to strengthen security in Nigeria's communities and maritime environment.