Nigerian Navy Secures Release of 22 from Calabar Waterway Pirates

Joint efforts by the Nigerian Navy, Operation Delta Safe Sector 4, and the Marine Police have successfully secured the freedom of 22 individuals who fell victim to an attack by suspected sea robbers. The incident occurred on the Calabar-Oron-Ibaka waterway in Cross River State. This rescue operation was initiated after a wooden passenger boat, en route from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, was hijacked on Tuesday. Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, formally announced these developments in a statement released on Thursday.

The official statement detailed that the passenger vessel was ambushed by five armed assailants in a speedboat shortly after it had passed the Enwang community. The attackers seized control of both the boat and everyone on board. Captain Omotosho stated that naval personnel promptly reacted to intelligence, commencing continuous patrols and setting up a tactical naval blockade across the local creek systems. This swift security response, he explained, compelled the suspected kidnappers to abandon the hijacked boat and their captives at Asak-Ikang Creek on Wednesday, subsequently making their escape in the direction of Oron.

Following the abandonment, naval teams, alongside partner security forces, immediately swept through the creek. They successfully rescued 11 passengers who had been left behind by the assailants. The statement further noted that an additional 11 individuals, who had managed to flee during the initial attack, were later found and debriefed at the Operation Delta Safe Sector 4 command post. "This brings the total number of accounted-for victims to 22," the statement confirmed.

The individuals rescued were then transported to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka Sickbay, where they received medical assessments and initial first aid. "After being stabilised, they were escorted back to Calabar alongside the successfully recovered passenger boat," the statement elaborated. Crucially, the Navy confirmed that no ransom was paid throughout the entire operation.

In his remarks concerning this incident, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, reiterated the Nigerian Navy's unwavering dedication to securing the country's maritime territories and guaranteeing the safety of all citizens who utilize the waterways. Admiral Okehie affirmed the Navy's resolve to maintain consistent patrols, enhance cooperation among various security agencies, and leverage timely intelligence to effectively counter maritime criminal activities. He further gave assurances to law-abiding citizens and passengers that the Navy stands firm in its commitment to protecting the nation's waterways and facilitating legitimate maritime operations.