Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army on the 9th March 2025, successfully rescued, Mr Akari Eloghonan Loveday, the Special Adviser (SA), Domestic Affairs to the Managing Director (MD), Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku. The SA was kidnapped on 7 March 2025, along the Ayakoro Community waterways in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Troops swiftly moved into the Creeks, waterways, and rivulets in a comprehensive search and rescue operation, which led to the release of Mr Akari Loveday.
The operational feat was achieved through a painstaking operation conducted by the troops of 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in close synergy with Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force. The operation was largely successful due to the Community support provided to the troops by members of the local Community, who came out in their numbers to block possible exits of the criminals, a classical demonstration of community support to military operations. This forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim and flee into the Creeks.
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Mr Akari Loveday has since been reunited with the MD NDDC and the leaders of Ayakoro Community in Ogbia LGA, while troops are currently combing the general area to apprehend the kidnappers.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, while commending troops for the successful rescue operations, charged them to hunt down the kidnappers and free the waterways of criminal elements. Troops are currently combing the general area for the possible arrest of the criminals.
