Navy Rescues 22 Passengers from Sea Robbers in C’River

The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 and the Marine Police, successfully rescued 22 passengers who were attacked by suspected sea robbers on the Calabar-Oron-Ibaka waterway in Cross River State. The incident occurred on Tuesday when a wooden passenger boat traveling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata was hijacked shortly after passing the Enwang community.

Five armed men in a speedboat intercepted the vessel. Navy Capt. Adebowale Omotosho reported that following intelligence reports, naval personnel launched patrols and established a strategic blockade along the creek networks.

This operation led to the suspects abandoning their captives and the hijacked boat at Asak-Ikang Creek on Wednesday. Naval personnel rescued 11 passengers left behind by the attackers and later located another 11 who had escaped during the initial attack.

The rescued passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical evaluation and subsequently escorted back to Calabar. The operation was conducted without any ransom payment, reaffirming the Navy's commitment to maritime safety.