Eight abducted WASSCE candidates, 11 others rescued after 21 days in Rivers
Nineteen people, including eight students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), have been rescued after being held captive for 21 days by suspected pirates in Rivers State.
The victims were abducted on May 6 when armed men attacked two boats travelling to Bille through the waterways in Degema Local Government Area. All passengers, including the students, were taken by the attackers.
Their release came on Monday evening following a rescue operation led by a local security group known as the Royal Fouchee Security Services, also called the Amama Soldiers. The group is led by Asari Dokubo, a former militant leader and now the traditional ruler of the Torusaramapiri community in Degema.
According to Dokubo, the operation was launched on Sunday after the Department of State Services (DSS) sought their assistance. He revealed that one of the captives, who had earlier paid a ransom of N10 million to gain freedom, provided key information that led to the discovery of 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,” he said.
Dokubo also expressed concern over the fate of Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, a soldier who was among those abducted. Only his uniform and ID card were found, raising fears that he may have been killed.
One suspect, identified as Victor Friday, was arrested during the operation. He denied active involvement in the kidnapping, claiming he merely stayed at the camp and ran errands for the group. He also named the gang’s alleged leader, Kentebe from Bayelsa State, who is currently on the run.
One of the rescued victims, Victor Akinloye—a boat driver—recounted their ordeal. He said the captives were stripped naked, beaten, and had their phones and ATM cards seized. The kidnappers reportedly withdrew funds from their accounts. Akinloye later helped the rescue team identify the area where they were held.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the successful 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.
