The Nigerian Navy in a search and rescue operation, rescued nine persons, comprising eight police officers and one civilian, after their speedboat capsized in Bayelsa State.
According to a statement by the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Adams-Aliu, issued on Tuesday, the incident occurred on December 24, 2024, when the speedboat hit a submerged wreck while en route to Yenagoa.
Adams-Aliu noted that Navy personnel, deployed around the Agbura community, quickly responded to the distress call and conducted a successful rescue operation.
He added that first aid was administered to those injured, and they were subsequently transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa for further medical treatment.
He noted thatv Navy also recovered three rifles belonging to the police officers and documented and secured them, awaiting proper handover to the Nigerian Police Force, Bayelsa State Command.
He further stated that the successful rescue operation highlights the synergy and collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies.
He said: “The Navy remains committed to ensuring safety on the nation’s waterways and fostering collaboration with other security stakeholders to enhance national security.
“The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, reiterates the Navy’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians within the maritime domain.
“The CNS also commended the swift response and professionalism of the personnel involved in this operation.”