The Nigerian Navy has rescued 16 passengers after foiling a suspected sea robbery attack along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel.
Naval authorities said the incident occurred on Sunday following intelligence reports of suspicious maritime activity along the busy route.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.
According to the Navy, the suspected criminals had intercepted a fibre passenger boat transporting civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon.
The attackers reportedly took control of the vessel and held the passengers hostage.
Naval authorities said the criminals planned to move the hostages into nearby creeks where they could carry out kidnapping operations.
“The patrol team encountered the suspected sea robbers who had already intercepted the passenger boat and were holding the passengers hostage,” the Navy said.
However, a swift response by naval gunboats disrupted the operation.
The criminals were forced to abandon the vessel and flee into shallow creeks along the maritime corridor.
The intervention resulted in the successful rescue of all 16 passengers aboard the vessel.
Naval authorities confirmed that none of the passengers sustained injuries during the incident.
“All rescued passengers were confirmed safe and unharmed following the operation,” the Navy said.
The passengers were later escorted by naval personnel to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to enable them continue their journey safely.
The Navy said the operation reflects its commitment to maintaining security within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
It also reassured maritime stakeholders and coastal communities of its determination to combat maritime crime and ensure safe waterways.