The Nigerian Navy, working with Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 and the Marine Police, has rescued 22 passengers after suspected sea robbers hijacked a passenger boat along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Cross River State.
The incident occurred after a wooden passenger boat travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, came under attack shortly after passing the Enwang community. According to the Navy, five suspected sea robbers intercepted the boat and took control of the vessel and its passengers.
The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, said naval personnel moved into action after receiving intelligence about the incident.
He said sustained patrols and a strategic blockade of the surrounding creek networks eventually forced the attackers to abandon the passengers and the hijacked boat at Asak-Ikang Creek, before fleeing towards Oron.
Following the abandonment, security personnel conducted a sweep of the creek area and rescued 11 passengers. Another 11 passengers who had escaped during the initial attack were later located and taken to the Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 command post.
The Navy said this brought the total number of accounted-for passengers to 22.
The rescued passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay, where they received medical checks and first aid before being stabilised. They were subsequently escorted back to Calabar along with the recovered passenger boat.
The Navy said no ransom was paid during the operation, describing the rescue as a result of coordinated action, timely intelligence and sustained maritime patrols.
The development comes amid continuing security concerns over criminal activities along waterways connecting communities in Cross River and neighbouring coastal states.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Navy's commitment to securing Nigeria's waterways and protecting passengers and legitimate maritime operators.
He also urged residents and people operating within the maritime sector to continue providing security agencies with useful information to help prevent attacks and improve safety on the waterways.
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