The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected sea robbery attempt and rescued 16 passengers during a swift maritime security operation along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The operation, according to the Director of Naval Information, A. A. Folorunsho, was launched following credible intelligence indicating suspicious maritime criminal activity around Buoy 12 along the strategic Ibaka–Calabar maritime corridor.
In a statement issued on Monday, Folorunsho explained that gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Ibaka were immediately deployed to the area to intercept the suspected criminals and prevent them from carrying out their operation.
He said the naval patrol team encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted and taken control of a fibre passenger boat transporting civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi Peninsula in Cameroon.
According to him, the criminals were holding the passengers hostage with the intention of abducting them into the creeks.
“In a decisive display of operational readiness, Nigerian Navy gunboats engaged the criminals, rescued the hostages and forced the suspects to flee into the shallow creeks adjoining the channel,” he said.
Folorunsho noted that the swift response by the naval patrol team led to the successful recovery of the passenger boat and the rescue of all 16 individuals on board.
He added that the passengers were confirmed safe, unharmed and in good health.
Following the rescue, the passengers were escorted by naval personnel to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe passage and continuation of their journey.
The naval spokesman said the successful operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s sustained operational presence and proactive posture in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He noted that the effort aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to build a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests and strengthening national security.
Folorunsho also reiterated the Navy’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian waters remain safe for maritime trade and other legitimate economic activities.
He assured maritime stakeholders and the general public of the Nigerian Navy’s continued resolve to combat maritime crime, protect lives and property at sea, and maintain a secure maritime domain.
