By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight
against maritime crime with the rescue of 22 passengers and the
recovery of a hijacked wooden passenger boat along the
Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Akwa Ibom State.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating
Base (FOB) Ibaka in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS)
Sector 4 and the Marine Police following an attack on a passenger boat
travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, on
August 11, 2026.

According to the Navy, the vessel was intercepted by armed sea robbers
shortly after passing Enwang Community. The attackers reportedly
hijacked the boat and abducted all passengers on board. Following the
incident, security operatives launched a coordinated search-and-rescue
mission to locate the victims and recover the vessel.

The sustained operation led to the recovery of the hijacked passenger
boat and the rescue of 11 victims who had been abandoned by the
criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek. An additional 11 passengers who escaped
during the attack were later located and accounted for at the OPDS
Sector 4 Command Post, bringing the total number of rescued and
accounted-for victims to 22.

All rescued passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay, where they
received medical assessment and first aid treatment before
arrangements were made for their safe return to Calabar alongside the
recovered boat. Authorities confirmed that no ransom was paid for the
victims’ release.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral
Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to
strengthening maritime security through sustained operations, enhanced
intelligence gathering, and closer collaboration with other security
agencies. He noted that the successful rescue underscores the Navy’s
determination to protect lives, secure legitimate maritime activities,
and combat sea robbery, kidnapping, and other criminal activities
across Nigeria’s waterways.