Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with native divers and members of the Abedigbene Fishing Community, has rescued seven passengers following a ship mishap within the waters round Abedigbene, in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a press release by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the incident concerned a passenger boat travelling from Yenagoa to Akassa, which reportedly had eight individuals on board.
“Following a misery report from a neighborhood fisherman, personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso, deployed at Labrador Lagosgbene Houseboat, promptly mobilised to the scene and commenced search and rescue operations with the assist of native divers and neighborhood members.
“The rescued passengers included the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and five other passengers,” Captain Folorunsho mentioned within the assertion.
He mentioned the survivors had been taken to the houseboat, the place they acquired first support, with preliminary assessments indicating that none had sustained seen accidents.
He, nonetheless, regretted that one passenger, recognized as a police officer, remained lacking, whereas search and rescue efforts continued to find the officer.
He mentioned, “On 6 November 2026, the Commissioner and the six different survivors had been conveyed to Yenagoa to reunite with their respective households.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Formoso recommended the personnel for his or her immediate response and professionalism, whereas acknowledging the invaluable assist of the native divers and host neighborhood.
Captain Folorunsho famous that the profitable rescue additional highlighted the significance of collaboration between safety businesses and coastal communities in strengthening maritime security and defending lives.
Meanwhile, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny deactivated three unlawful refining websites in Awokiri Community, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, uncovering roughly 117,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
The naval spokesperson mentioned the operation was carried out following credible intelligence indicating the activation of new unlawful refining websites within the space.
“During the operation, the naval team discovered 16 dugout pits, nine of which contained approximately 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. An additional storage tank contained about 2,000 litres, bringing the total volume to approximately 117,000 litres. Four other pits contained water, while three were freshly excavated. The identified sites, pits and products were handled in accordance with extant regulations.”
Folorunsho mentioned the operation underscored the Nigerian Navy’s sustained dedication to combating crude oil theft and unlawful bunkering by way of intelligence-driven operations.
He added that by dismantling unlawful refining infrastructure and disrupting prison networks, the Service continued to guard essential oil and fuel belongings and safeguard the nation’s financial pursuits.
