The Joint Task Force (JTF) has rescued 28 workers of an oil servicing company, Sinepoc, at Ikang Waterways in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River.
The JTF has also declared the leader of the militant group in Bakassi called `Lapto Marine Force’ wanted.
Maj-Gen. Johnson Ochoga, the Commander of JTF, code-named Operation Pulo Shield, announced the rescue operation in Calabar on Monday while addressing newsmen.
He said that one of the oil workers, who ran away out of fear when men of the JTF attacked the camp where the militant leader held them hostage, had been rescued.
He said the worker was rescued in the neighbouring Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
Ochoga said: “the 28th person has been found. So, all of them are safe. The one that was not immediately seen has been picked up and he is sound and safe.
“They have been handed back to the oil company, Sinopec. The last person was rescued at Akpabuyo. The 27 others were rescued from the Lapto’s camp in the creeks close to Ikang.
“The oil workers were kidnapped when they were going to Sinopec’s worksite located in Akwa Ibom,’’ he said, adding that the workers were rescued on Aug. 25.
The JTF commander said the leader of the militant group called, `Lapito’ said to be 29 years of age, had been declared wanted.
“He is declared wanted. He is not a friend to anyone, if he can take
28 Nigerians captive and this is not the first of its kind.’’
One of the oil workers, Mr Boniface Christopher, told newsmen that their abductors seized the three boats carrying them to work at Coco River.
He said the abductors forced their victims to lie down and used their raincoats to tie their faces.
“As we lay inside the boat, they drove us to a place we do not know.
“ They later asked our driver not to drive again because he did not know the direction of their camp and one of them took over the driving,’’ Christopher said. (NAN)