Nigerian Navy Prevents Sea Robbery, Rescues 16 Passengers in Calabar

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Nigerian Navy successfully thwarted a suspected sea robbery attempt while rescuing 16 passengers along the Ibaka-Calabar Channel during a swift maritime security operation.

The Director of Naval Information, Captain A.A. Folorunsho, stated in a press release on Monday that the operation was initiated based on reliable intelligence that pointed to potential maritime criminal activities near Buoy 12, a critical area in the Ibaka-Calabar maritime route.

Following this intelligence, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA were promptly dispatched to the location to intercept the suspected assailants and restore order to the channel.

According to Folorunsho, the naval team encountered individuals identified as sea robbers, who had intercepted and taken control of a fibreglass passenger boat transporting civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon.

The criminals were reportedly holding the civilians hostage with the intent to kidnap them and take them into the creeks. The Nigerian Navy gunboats engaged the suspects, leading to the rescue of the hostages and forcing the assailants to retreat into the nearby shallows of the channel.

Folorunsho expressed that the swift intervention resulted in the successful rescue of both the boat and all 16 passengers held captive, confirming that they were unharmed and in good health.

Following the rescue, the passengers were escorted by naval personnel to the Nigeria-Cameroon maritime boundary to facilitate their safe continuation of the journey.

“This operation underscores the persistent presence and proactive stance of the Nigerian Navy in securing our maritime domain,” Folorunsho asserted.

He noted that the outcome of this mission aligns with the strategic vision of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff, aiming to foster a modern, agile, and proficient naval force that safeguards Nigeria’s maritime interests and enhances national security.

Furthermore, he reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to ensure that Nigerian waters are secure for commercial activities. Folorunsho assured maritime stakeholders and the public of the Navy's unwavering resolve to tackle maritime crime and to protect lives and properties at sea, thereby ensuring a secure maritime environment for legitimate economic activities.