Navy Rescues 16 Hostages as Suspected Sea Robbers Attack Passenger Boat Near Bakassi Route
The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected sea robbery attack and rescued 16 passengers who were taken hostage by armed criminals along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel during a maritime security operation on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
According to naval authorities, the operation was launched following credible intelligence about suspicious criminal activity around Buoy 12, a strategic point along the busy maritime corridor linking Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, gunboats from the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka were deployed to the area to intercept the suspected criminals and restore security within the channel.
Upon arrival, naval patrol teams encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted a fibre passenger boat carrying civilians from Ibaka to Bakassi. The attackers reportedly held the passengers hostage with plans to abduct them into nearby creeks.
In a swift response, the Nigerian Navy gunboats engaged the criminals, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee into the shallow creeks bordering the channel.
The intervention led to the successful rescue of the passenger boat and all 16 civilians on board, who were confirmed safe and unharmed.
Following the rescue, naval personnel escorted the passengers to the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe continuation of the journey.
Naval authorities said the operation demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s sustained maritime security presence and proactive measures to safeguard Nigeria’s coastal waters.
The development also aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to build a modern, agile and professional naval force capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and strengthening national security.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to combating maritime crime, protecting lives and property at sea, and ensuring safe waters for legitimate trade and commercial activities.
