Navy Rescues Three Passengers from Pirates in Akwa Ibom

Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State – Three passengers were rescued by the Nigerian Navy from a suspected sea robbery attack along the waterways in Akwa Ibom State. The operation was conducted by personnel from the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, during a routine night patrol on Tuesday, July 29, 2026.

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The naval team immediately proceeded to the location, where they rescued a passenger boat loaded with tomatoes and its three occupants.

Naval Captain Adebowale Omotosho, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, stated that the patrol team received a distress alert around 9:30 p.m. from a passing boat reporting an ongoing sea robbery. The team immediately proceeded to the location.

Upon arrival, the naval team rescued a passenger boat carrying tomatoes and its three occupants. The rescued individuals were identified as David Okon, Anietie Friday, and David Edet. They were traveling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when their boat was attacked by suspected sea robbers.

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The patrol team responded after receiving a distress alert at about 9:30 p.m. from a passing boat reporting an ongoing sea robbery attack around the Mbendoro waters.

The navy confirmed that the rescued passengers were safely escorted to the FOB Ibaka facility and sustained no injuries during the incident. The statement emphasized the Eastern Naval Command's commitment to safeguarding lives and securing Nigeria's maritime domain through sustained surveillance and rapid response operations. The command reiterated its dedication to combating maritime crime and ensuring a secure environment for legitimate maritime activities.

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The successful operation underscores the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and securing Nigeria’s maritime domain through sustained surveillance and rapid response operations.