Navy Foils Sea Robbery, Rescues 16 Passengers on Ibaka–Calabar Route
The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected sea robbery attempt and rescued 16 passengers along the Ibaka–Calabar maritime route during a swift security operation.
The incident occurred on Sunday along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel after naval authorities received intelligence about suspicious maritime criminal activities around Buoy 12 within the strategic corridor.
Acting on the intelligence, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka were immediately deployed to the area to intercept the suspected criminals and secure the waterway.
Naval sources said the patrol team encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted a fibre passenger boat carrying civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon.
The criminals were said to have taken control of the vessel and held the passengers hostage with the intention of abducting them into nearby creeks.
However, the swift arrival of the naval gunboats forced the attackers to abandon the operation.
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According to the navy, the patrol team engaged the suspected robbers, compelling them to flee into the shallow creeks surrounding the channel.
The intervention led to the successful rescue of the passenger boat and all 16 occupants who had been held hostage.
Naval authorities confirmed that the rescued passengers were safe, unharmed and in good health.
Following the rescue operation, the passengers were escorted by naval personnel to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe continuation of the journey.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation reflects its sustained presence and proactive security posture in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.
It added that the development aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbasm, to build a modern and responsive naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests.
The navy also reassured maritime operators and the public of its commitment to combating maritime crimes, protecting lives and property at sea, and ensuring safe waterways for commercial and economic activities.
By PRNigeria
