Navy Rescues 22 Passengers, Recovers Boat After Sea Robbery Attack
The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers following the hijacking of a wooden passenger boat by suspected sea robbers along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Cross River State.
The operation also led to the recovery of the hijacked vessel after the attackers abandoned 11 of the victims at Asak-Ikang Creek.
The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in an operational report made available to PRNigeria in Abuja on Friday.
According to him, the incident occurred on August 11 when the passenger boat, travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, was intercepted by armed sea robbers shortly after passing Enwang Community.
The attackers reportedly hijacked the vessel and abducted the passengers.
Following information about the incident, personnel of the Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe Sector Four and the Marine Police, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Folorunsho said the sustained operation resulted in the recovery of the hijacked boat and the rescue of 11 victims abandoned by the suspected criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek.
Read Also:
He added that another 11 passengers who had escaped during the attack were subsequently located and accounted for at the Operation Delta Safe Sector Four command post.
This brought the total number of rescued and accounted-for passengers to 22.
The rescued victims were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay, where they underwent medical assessment and received first aid before arrangements were made for their safe return to Calabar.
The recovered passenger boat was also secured for onward return.
The Navy disclosed that no ransom was paid for the release of the victims.
Folorunsho said the successful operation underscored the Navy’s commitment to protecting lives, securing lawful maritime activities and maintaining a safe environment along Nigeria’s waterways.
He said the service would sustain joint operations with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to combat sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of maritime crime.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime security through enhanced inter-agency cooperation and timely intelligence.
He said the Navy would continue to intensify efforts to prevent criminal elements from exploiting Nigeria’s waterways to carry out attacks and other illicit activities.
By PRNigeria
