19 Hostages, Including 8 WASSCE Students, Rescued After 21 Days

Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 27, 2025

News Views: 208

Nineteen individuals, among them eight students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), have been rescued after spending 21 days in captivity. The victims were abducted on May 6 by suspected pirates in the Bille waterways in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Their release on Monday evening was the result of a joint operation spearheaded by Royal Fouchee Security Services, also known as the Amama Soldiers, led by former militant Asari-Dokubo, now a traditional ruler in the area. The operation reportedly began on Sunday after a request from the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to Asari-Dokubo, the hostages were held in harsh conditions, suffering from starvation and physical abuse. One of the victims had earlier been released after paying a ₦10 million ransom, and later assisted the rescue team in locating the pirates’ camp.

The kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million for the release of the captives, prompting nationwide concern and pressure on authorities to act swiftly.

Among those abducted was Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, whose uniform and ID card were recovered, but not his body. Asari-Dokubo expressed fears that the soldier may have been killed.

One suspect, Victor Friday, was arrested. He claimed he was not directly involved in the abduction but admitted to residing in the camp and performing errands for the group. He identified Kentebe, reportedly from Bayelsa State, as the gang leader, who is now on the run.

One of the rescued victims, Victor Akinloye, a boat driver, detailed how they were stripped, beaten, and robbed of their phones and bank cards. The kidnappers allegedly withdrew money from the victims’ accounts. Akinloye later helped the rescue team pinpoint the location of the kidnappers’ hideout.

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the rescue, noting it was achieved through a combined effort between law enforcement and the local security outfit.