The Nigerian Navy, in cooperation with local divers and the Abedigbene Fishing Community, has successfully rescued seven passengers involved in a boat mishap near Abedigbene, situated in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. A statement from Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, reported that the incident involved a passenger craft traveling from Yenagoa to Akassa with eight people on board.
Following a distress alert from a local fisherman, personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso were swiftly dispatched to the scene to initiate search and rescue operations, aided by community members and local divers. Among those rescued was Dr. Ebieri Jones, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment, as well as an officer from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and five other passengers. The survivors were subsequently taken to a houseboat, where they received first aid, and preliminary evaluations showed no visible injuries among them.
However, one passenger, identified as a police officer, remains missing, and ongoing efforts are being made to locate him. On November 6, 2026, the Commissioner and the six rescued individuals were returned to Yenagoa to reunite with their families. The Commanding Officer of FOB Formoso praised the personnel for their prompt action and professionalism, emphasizing the significant role of collaboration between security agencies and local communities in enhancing maritime safety.
In a separate operation, the FOB Bonny successfully decommissioned three illegal refining sites in the Awokiri Community of Rivers State and discovered approximately 117,000 litres of stolen crude oil. This operation was executed based on credible intelligence regarding new illegal activities in the area. The naval team found 16 dugout pits, with nine containing about 115,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, and another tank holding approximately 2,000 litres. The identified sites and products were managed in accordance with relevant regulations.
This operation reiterates the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing commitment to combating crude oil theft and illegal bunkering through strategic operations aimed at dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and disrupting criminal networks.
