In an apparent move to demonstrate their renewed readiness against security threats in the area, the security operatives in Bonny Local Government Area have foiled a high profile kidnap attempt at Macaulay Street in Bonny Island.

The incident, which took place at about 2300 hours Sunday, January 31, 2021 was said to have caused untold tension around the area as security operatives exchanged gunfire with the hoodlums. 

Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Nigerian Navy (NN) in Bonny, Navy Captain Badamasi Ishaq Yahuza confirmed the incident to Kristina Reports in a telephone interview on Monday, February 1, 2021.

He informed that the joint operation between the FOB, NN, and the 146 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Bonny, effectively checkmated the gunmen from achieving their target.

Checks by Kristina Reports reveal that the suspected gunmen came in from the King Asimini Bypass (Berger Road) jetty, snatched a Toyota Hiace bus along the road, which they intended to use to carry out the kidnap operation and drove to Macaulay Street.

Unfortunately for the hoodlums, they met an empty house as their would-be quarry was out of town, an indication of faulty intelligence at their disposal. In frustration, our source said they shot at an unidentified man in their haste to leave the area.

According to an eyewitness who pleaded anonymity, the suspected hoodlums made their way to Coconut Estate, which was supposed to be their getaway point but unknown to them security operatives drawn from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) had repelled their accomplices coming through the creeks to pick them.

This move by the naval operatives effectively cut off the group coming through the creeks from those on land who were being chased by the operatives from the 146 Battalion, Nigerian Army. 

Another source, who did not want her name mentioned, said, having been tipped off, the security operatives drawn from the 146 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny chased those on land into the mangrove forest after an exchange of gunfire.

The source revealed that some of the hoodlums were trapped inside the forests until about 5am when they escaped through the creeks around Oguede Community. 

An impeccable source, told Kristina Reports that “the JTF and FOB were on their trail because some members of the group are still trapped around Oguede creeks, trying to call for boat to escape with. But the security operatives had cordoned off the area making escape impossible.”

Navy Capt. Yahuza further informed that the operation to apprehend the suspected gunmen was still ongoing, assuring the residents of the area that their security was assured as the security agencies in the area were upbeat on ensuring the safety of lives and properties of the people of the area.

The Divisional Police Officer, Bonny, CSP Usman Sadiq also confirmed the incident but assured that calm has returned to the area.

Another source told Kristina Reports that “the Navy shot at their (suspected kidnappers) boat. I’m told they discarded the bus they seized at Berger Road and snatched a Toyota Corolla, which they drove to Abalamabie”.

“At Abalamabie, they discarded it, snatched a Toyota Coaster near Blue Roof and robbed the passengers of their valuables including cash and mobile phones.”

“They drove into the community from where they walked on foot through the community to Oguede. But community boys held them down. They somehow managed to escape through another route.”

A top security source, who preferred anonymity hinted Kristina Reports that all security outposts around the area have been put on the lookout for the hoodlums.

Director of Security in the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF), Michael Pepple also confirmed the incident to Kristina Reports, stating that the superior firepower of the security forces repelled the hoodlums and they had to escape through the mangroves.

He assured that his office was working in sync with the security agencies to make Bonny LGA safe for all including residents, investors and tourists, stressing that the cooperation of all was needed to ensure the area was safe and peaceful.