Former militant leader Asari Dokubo led a team to rescue nineteen people, including eight students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), after being kidnapped by suspected pirates.
The victims were detained for 21 days in the Bille waterways region in the Degema Local Government region of Rivers State.
They were freed on Monday evening by the Royal Fouchee Security Services, also known as the Amama Soldiers.
Asari-Dokubo, a former militant leader and current traditional king of Degema’s Torusaramapiri village, secured their rescue from their kidnappers.
The victims were seized on May 6, when pirates ambushed two boats bound for Bille.
Everyone in the boats was taken, including the students. Following the attack, there were numerous requests for their release.
The kidnappers later contacted families and demanded N100 million as ransom.
Speaking about the rescue, Asari-Dokubo stated that he and his crew launched the operation on Sunday after being requested to assist by the Department of State Services.
He further stated that one of the victims had previously paid the kidnappers N10 million but later assisted them in locating the location.
“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,” he said.
Asari-Dokubo also expressed concern for Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, who was on one of the boats and has gone missing. Only his uniform and ID card were discovered, and he believes the soldier may have been killed.
Victor Friday, one of the arrested suspects, said he was not involved in the kidnapping. He explained that he only stayed in the camp and was used to running errands.
He named Kentebe, a man from Bayelsa State, as the gang’s commander, who is currently on the run.
Victor Akinloye, a rescued victim and boat driver, reported that they were beaten, stripped naked, and their phones and ATM cards were stolen.
The kidnappers also withdrew funds from their accounts.
Akinloye stated that he recognised the location where they were kept. A few days later, he assisted the rescue squad in reaching the area.
When reached, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the rescue.
“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.
