Navy Rescues 22 Passengers as Sea Robbers Abandon Hijacked Boat on Calabar-Ibaka Route
By Missang AKPET
The Nigerian Navy says it has rescued 22 passengers after suspected sea pirates hijacked a wooden passenger boat on the Calabar-Oron-Ibaka waterway in Cross River State.
The rescue was carried out by the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, working with Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 and the Marine Police.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Capt. Adebowale Omotosho, said the attack occurred on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The boat had left Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar for Utan Uyata, Ibaka, when it was intercepted shortly after passing Enwang community.
According to Omotosho, five armed men in a speedboat ambushed the vessel, seized control of it, and took all passengers hostage.
The Navy said it moved quickly after receiving intelligence on the incident, launching sustained patrols and setting up blockades across the creeks.
Faced with pressure from pursuing naval gunboats, the attackers reportedly abandoned the hijacked boat and passengers at Asak-Ikang Creek and fled toward Oron.
Troops, alongside other security agencies, immediately combed the area and rescued 11 passengers left behind by the robbers.
A further 11 passengers who escaped during the initial attack were later found and debriefed at the Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 command post, bringing the total rescued to 22.
All rescued passengers received medical checks and first aid at the FOB Ibaka Sickbay before being escorted back to Calabar.
The hijacked wooden boat was also recovered. The Navy stated that no ransom was paid during the operation and reiterated it's commitment in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting civilians on the waterways.
