By DECAN Editor
The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers abducted by suspected sea robbers along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Akwa Ibom.
The Navy also recovered the hijacked wooden passenger boat following a coordinated operation involving Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4 and Marine Police.
The Director, Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the boat was hijacked on Aug. 11 while travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka.
According to him, 11 victims were rescued at Asak-Ikang Creek after being abandoned by the criminals.
He said another 11 passengers who escaped during the attack were later located and accounted for at the OPDS Sector 4 command post.
Folorunsho said the 22 rescued passengers received medical assessment and first aid at FOB Ibaka before arrangements were made for their return to Calabar.
He stressed that no ransom was paid for the release of the victims.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime security and inter-agency cooperation.
Okehie said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s resolve to protect lives and deny criminals freedom of action on Nigeria’s waterways.
He assured that the Navy would sustain operations against sea robbery, kidnapping and other maritime crimes.