The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected sea robbery attempt and rescued 16 passengers along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel following a swift maritime security operation conducted on Sunday.
The rescue operation was launched after naval authorities received credible intelligence about suspicious criminal activity around Buoy 12 along the strategic Ibaka–Calabar maritime corridor. Acting on the intelligence, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka were immediately deployed to the area to intercept the suspected criminals.
Upon arrival, the naval patrol team encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted a fibre passenger boat carrying civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi Peninsula. The attackers reportedly held the passengers hostage with the intention of abducting them into nearby creeks.
In a swift response, the naval gunboats engaged the criminals, forced them to abandon the operation and flee into the shallow creeks surrounding the channel. The intervention led to the successful rescue of the fibre boat and all 16 passengers.
Naval authorities confirmed that all the rescued passengers were safe, unharmed, and in good health.
Following the rescue, Nigerian Navy personnel escorted the passengers to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe passage and continuation of their journey.
The Navy said the operation demonstrates its sustained operational presence and proactive efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment. It also aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to build a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of protecting the country’s maritime interests.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to combating maritime crime and ensure that Nigerian waters remain safe for commercial and economic activities.
