Navy rescues 22 sea robbery victims, recovers hijacked boat in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has successfully rescued 22 passengers who were victims of sea piracy along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Akwa Ibom State. The operation, which took place on August 11, 2026, involved personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, working alongside Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police.

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Following receipt of the distress information, personnel of FOB Ibaka and the collaborating security agencies launched a coordinated operation to locate the victims and recover the hijacked boat.

The incident occurred when a passenger boat, en route from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, was intercepted by armed sea robbers shortly after passing the Enwang Community. The attackers abducted the passengers and hijacked the boat.

Upon receiving distress information, a coordinated operation was launched to find the victims and recover the hijacked vessel. The operation led to the recovery of the boat and the rescue of 11 passengers who had been abandoned by the criminals in Asak-Ikang Creek. An additional 11 passengers, who had escaped during the initial attack, were located at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total number of accounted-for victims to 22.

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The operation resulted in the recovery of the vessel and the rescue of 11 passengers who had been abandoned by the suspected criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek. Another 11 passengers who had escaped during the attack were subsequently located at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22.

Following their rescue, the passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical evaluation and first aid. Arrangements were then made for their safe return to Calabar, along with the recovered boat. Authorities confirmed that no ransom was paid for their release. Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, reiterated the Navy's commitment to enhancing maritime security, inter-agency cooperation, and intelligence gathering to combat criminal activities on the nation's waterways.

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The successful operation underscored the Navy’s determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and maintain a secure maritime environment.