The Nigerian Navy has successfully foiled a suspected sea robbery attempt and rescued 16 passengers along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel, following a swift and coordinated maritime security operation. The action reinforces ongoing efforts to safeguard waterways and protect maritime users in the region.
In a statement, the Director of Information, Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed that the operation was based on credible intelligence indicating suspicious maritime criminal activity around Buoy 12 along the strategic Ibaka–Calabar corridor.
Captain Folorunsho said: “Acting swiftly on the intelligence, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA were immediately vectored to the area to intercept the suspected criminals and deny them freedom of action and restore order within the channel.”
He added that, “upon arrival at the objective area, the naval patrol team encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted and taken control of a fibre passenger boat conveying civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon.”
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The Director of Information noted that the criminals were holding the civilians hostage with the intent of kidnapping them into the creeks.
“In a decisive demonstration of operational readiness and naval force, the Nigerian Navy gunboats engaged the criminals, rescued the hostages and compelled them to flee into the shallow creeks adjacent to the channel,” he said.
Captain Folorunsho confirmed: “The prompt intervention by the naval patrol team led to the successful rescue of the fibre boat and all 16 passengers who had been held hostage by the suspected criminals.”
All rescued passengers were reported safe, unharmed, and in good health.
In line with operational procedures, the passengers were subsequently escorted by Nigerian Navy personnel to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe passage and continuation of the journey.
The operation highlights the Nigerian Navy’s sustained presence and proactive stance in protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment.
It aligns with the broader vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, to develop a modern, agile, and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests and advancing national security objectives.
The rescue mission also underscores the Navy’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian waters remain safe and secure for commercial trade.
The Nigerian Navy reassures maritime stakeholders and the general public of its unwavering resolve to combat maritime crime, protect lives and property at sea, and maintain a secure maritime environment for legitimate economic and commercial activities.