Pirates Abduct 20 Boat Passengers in Akwa Ibom, Navy Launches Manhunt
At least 20 passengers were kidnapped by sea pirates who hijacked a commercial speedboat traveling along Calabar waterways in Akwa Ibom State on Friday, April 18, 2025, PRNigeria reports.
According to sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the boat—identified as Devinewill—was intercepted mid-voyage by a group of armed men who forcibly transferred the passengers onto their own vessels and escaped with them.
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An eyewitness and worker at the Oron beach confirmed the attack, noting that a naval patrol team from Calabar responded swiftly to the distress call. However, the pirates had already fled with the victims before the security team could intervene.
The hijacked speedboat was later recovered abandoned and empty by the Navy. Authorities say a search and rescue operation is currently underway, with efforts intensifying to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers.
By PRNigeria
