Fourteen persons who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways have been safely rescued in a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The successful rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations and close inter-agency collaboration aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the maritime corridor. Acting on credible intelligence, security operatives heightened surveillance and launched coordinated tactical strikes across identified hotspots, leading to the safe recovery of all victims without injury.
The victims are currently receiving medical attention and undergoing debriefing, after which they will be reunited with their families.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, praised the efforts of the joint security team, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and collaboration among agencies.
Authorities also reaffirmed that operations are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction, with a commitment to ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
This development was revealed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, psc(+), mnipr, mni, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on April 28, 2026.