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By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy operatives has foiled a suspected sea robbery attempt and rescued 16 passengers during a swift maritime security operation along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel.
The operation, which took place at last weekend, according to the force, followed credible intelligence reports of suspicious maritime criminal activity around Buoy 12, a strategic point along the Ibaka–Calabar maritime corridor.
Acting promptly on the intelligence, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Ibaka were deployed to the area to intercept the suspected criminals and restore order within the channel.
Upon reaching the location, naval personnel encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted a fibre passenger boat transporting civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Bakassi Peninsula, Cameroon.
The criminals had reportedly taken control of the boat and were holding the passengers hostage with the intention of abducting them into nearby creeks.
However, in a swift and decisive response, the naval gunboats engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee into the shallow creeks adjoining the channel.
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The prompt intervention by the naval patrol team led to the successful rescue of the fibre boat and all 16 passengers who had been held captive by the suspected robbers.
Authorities confirmed that all the rescued passengers were safe, unharmed and in good health.
Following the rescue, naval personnel escorted the passengers to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe passage and continuation of their journey.
The successful rescue operation highlights the sustained operational presence of the Nigerian Navy in safeguarding the country’s maritime environment and curbing criminal activities along strategic waterways.
The development also aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to build a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and strengthening national security.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian waters remain safe for legitimate commercial and economic activities, assuring maritime stakeholders and the public of its continued resolve to combat maritime crime and protect lives and property at sea.
