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The Nigerian Navy foiled a suspected sea robbery attempt and rescued 16 passengers along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel during a swift maritime security operation on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said in a statement that the operation followed credible intelligence about suspicious maritime criminal activity around Buoy 12 along the strategic Ibaka–Calabar maritime corridor.
According to him, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka were immediately deployed to intercept the suspected criminals and restore security in the area.
“Upon arrival at the location, the naval patrol team encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted and taken control of a fibre passenger boat conveying civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon,” Folorunsho said.
He explained that the criminals had held the passengers hostage with the intention of abducting them into nearby creeks.
The naval patrol team engaged the suspects, forcing them to flee into the shallow creeks while successfully rescuing the passengers and securing the vessel.
“All 16 passengers were rescued safely and confirmed to be unharmed and in good health,” he added.
For additional safety, after rescuing the victims, naval personnel escorted them to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border.
He said the operation reflects the Navy’s sustained efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment and aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to build a modern and agile naval force capable of protecting the country’s maritime interests.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crime, protecting lives and property at sea, and ensuring safe waters for commercial and economic activities.
