Navy rescues 22 passengers from sea robbers in C’River

The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 and the Marine Police, successfully rescued 22 passengers who had been attacked by suspected sea robbers. The incident occurred along the Calabar-Oron-Ibaka waterway in Cross River State.

The passengers were traveling on a wooden boat from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, when five armed men in a speedboat intercepted their vessel shortly after passing the Enwang community. The attackers took control of the boat and its occupants.

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Responding swiftly to intelligence reports, naval personnel launched sustained patrols and established a strategic naval blockade along the creek networks.

Responding swiftly to intelligence reports, naval personnel initiated sustained patrols and established a strategic blockade along the creek networks. This security operation compelled the suspected kidnappers to abandon both the captives and the hijacked boat at Asak-Ikang Creek on Wednesday before fleeing towards Oron.

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This brings the total number of accounted-for victims to 22.

Naval personnel, working alongside collaborating security agencies, conducted a sweep of the creek. They first rescued 11 passengers who had been abandoned by the attackers. Subsequently, another 11 passengers who had escaped during the initial attack were located and debriefed at the Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 command post, bringing the total number of accounted-for victims to 22.

The rescued passengers received medical evaluation and first aid at the Forward Operating Base Ibaka Sickbay. After being stabilized, they were escorted back to Calabar along with the recovered boat. The Navy confirmed that the operation was conducted without any ransom payment. Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, reaffirmed the Navy's commitment to maritime security and the safety of citizens using the waterways.

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The Navy would continue to sustain its patrols, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and deploy timely intelligence to combat maritime criminality.