Nigerian Navy Foils Sea Robbery, Rescues 16 Passengers Along Ibaka–Calabar Channel
The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected sea robbery and rescued 16 passengers along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel during a swift operation on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Acting on intelligence about suspicious activity around Buoy 12 along the strategic Ibaka–Calabar maritime corridor. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA were immediately vectored to the area to intercept the suspected criminals and deny them freedom of action and restore order within the channel. The attackers were holding civilians hostage for ransom in the creeks.
Upon arrival at the objective area, the naval patrol team encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted and taken control of a fibre passenger boat conveying civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon. They were holding the civilians hostage with the aim of kidnapping them into the creeks. In a decisive demonstration of operational readiness and naval force, the naval team engaged the robbers, rescued all passengers, and forced the criminals to flee into shallow creeks. All 16 hostages were confirmed safe and unharmed. Navy personnel later escorted them to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe passage.
The operation underscores the Navy’s proactive presence in safeguarding Nigeria’s waters, aligning with the vision of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas to build a modern, agile force that secures maritime interests.
The Navy reassured stakeholders of its commitment to combating crime, protecting lives and property at sea, and maintaining a safe environment for legitimate trade.
