The Nigerian Navy successfully rescued 16 passengers and foiled a sea robbery attempt along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The operation was launched by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka following credible intelligence regarding criminal activity near Buoy 12. Upon reaching the scene, naval gunboats intercepted a group of suspected sea robbers who had seized a fiber passenger boat traveling from Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi, Cameroon.
According to naval officials, the criminals intended to kidnap the passengers and take them into the nearby creeks. However, a decisive engagement by the naval patrol team forced the suspects to flee into shallow waters, leaving the passengers unharmed.
Key Highlights of the Operation:
- Location: Buoy 12, Ibaka–Calabar maritime corridor.
- Outcome: All 16 passengers rescued safe and in good health.
- Follow-up: Navy personnel escorted the vessel to the Nigeria–Cameroon border to ensure safe passage.
The Nigerian Navy stated that the mission aligns with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to maintain a professional force capable of securing the nation’s maritime interests.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to combating maritime crime and ensuring that Nigerian waters remain safe for commercial trade and legitimate economic activities.