Troops have saved five expatriates from suspected militants at Yellow Island in Rivers State.
The victims comprising three Russians, one Ukrainian and one Equatorial Guinean kidnapped on May 9, were liberated by a joint team from Forward Operating Base Bonny, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder and troops of 146 Battalion, on Tuesday.
A statement by the Coordinator, Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, said the men were presently at NNS Pathfinder medical centre receiving medical attention.
It explained that the expatriates were abducted onboard MT RIO Mitong and MT Djibloho by unknown militant group in Yellow Island on May 9.
The statement titled, ‘Troops of Operation Delta Safe dislodge militants camps, rescue kidnapped expatriates and recover stolen illegally refined AGO,’ said the troops also raided four identified militants’ hideout at Ibiakafemo, Idinkiri, Tombie and Ogboma.
The identified camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the pirates freedom of action.
It read, “In the early hours of October 6, 2020, the pirates/militants compelled by the ongoing operation surrendered to the gallant troops and handed over the five kidnapped foreign expatriates at Iwofe Waterfront.
“The five expatriates comprising three Russians, one Ukrainian and one Equatorial Guinean are presently at NNS Pathfinder medical centre receiving medical attention.”