The Nigerian Army has announced the rescue of Akari Eloghonan Loveday, Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, revealed that Loveday was abducted on March 7 along the Ayakoro Community waterways in Bayelsa State’s Ogbia Local Government Area.
The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort by troops of the 6 Division, the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force. Intense pressure from the joint operation forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee into the creeks.
The statement also acknowledged the vital contribution of local community members, who blocked potential escape routes, aiding the success of the operation.
Loveday has since been reunited with the NDDC Managing Director and leaders of the Ayakoro community. Meanwhile, security forces continue to search the area for the fleeing suspects.
Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, praised the troops for their efforts and encouraged them to maintain their vigilance in securing the waterways and pursuing criminal elements.
The crackdown conducted between February 24 and March 2, 2025, also resulted in the confiscation of over 24,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products across the region.
It said that in Rivers State, troops intercepted a truck loaded with 140 sacks of stolen crude—estimated at over 7,500 litres—at Refinery Checkpoint in Okrika LGA, but the driver fled upon sighting security operatives.
In Ekpe-Mgbede in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops dismantled three illegal refining sites, which contained 28 locally made ovens and three large empty metal drums. Similarly, at Buguma in Asari-Toru LGA, an illegal refining site was destroyed, with four drum pots and a large tarpaulin storage facility confiscated.