The Nigerian Navy has rescued and accounted for 22 passengers following the hijack of a wooden passenger boat along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Akwa Ibom State.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, said personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, working with Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 and the Marine Police, launched a search operation after the boat was reportedly attacked on August 11.
According to him, the suspected sea robbers intercepted the vessel shortly after it passed Enwang Community, forcing the passengers from the boat. Eleven victims were later found at Asak-Ikang Creek, while another 11 passengers who escaped during the attack were subsequently located at the OPDS Sector 4 command post.
The rescued passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical assessment and first aid before arrangements were made to return them safely to Calabar. The hijacked boat was also recovered, and no ransom was paid for the release of the victims.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime security and inter-agency cooperation to combat sea robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities on the nation’s waterways.
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