Nigerian Navy Rescues 22 Passengers from Hijacked Boat

On August 11, 2026, the Nigerian Navy successfully rescued 22 passengers from a hijacked wooden passenger boat along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway. The operation was led by personnel from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police.

The boat was intercepted by armed sea robbers shortly after leaving Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar, leading to the hijacking and abduction of its passengers. Following the incident, FOB Ibaka personnel initiated coordinated efforts to locate the victims and recover the hijacked vessel.

The operation resulted in the recovery of the boat and the rescue of 11 victims abandoned by the criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek, while an additional 11 passengers who escaped during the attack were found at the OPDS Sector 4 command post. All rescued individuals were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical assessment before being returned to Calabar.

Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy's commitment to maritime security and inter-agency collaboration.