Swift Naval Operation Foils Sea Robbery on Ibaka–Bakassi Route, 16 Passengers Rescued

Swift Naval Operation Foils Sea Robbery on Ibaka–Bakassi Route, 16 Passengers Rescued

The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected sea robbery and kidnap attempt on a passenger boat travelling from Ibaka to Bakassi, successfully rescuing all 16 passengers onboard after a brief confrontation with armed criminals.

The incident occurred around 3:50 p.m. on Sunday along the busy maritime corridor linking Nigeria and Cameroon. Naval personnel stationed at the Forward Operating Base Ibaka received distress information about an ongoing attack on a commercial passenger boat and swiftly mobilised to the scene.

According to security sources, naval gunboats were immediately deployed to intercept the attackers and prevent them from carrying out what was believed to be a planned robbery or kidnap operation.

On arrival, the naval team engaged the suspected sea robbers in a brief exchange of gunfire, forcing the assailants to abandon the attack and flee into the shallow creeks along the coastal terrain.

Following the encounter, naval personnel secured the distressed vessel and confirmed that all 16 passengers were unharmed. No casualties were recorded during the operation.

The Navy subsequently escorted the passenger boat towards the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime boundary, after which the vessel continued its journey to its destination under improved security conditions.

Security officials noted that the rapid response by personnel at FOB Ibaka highlights the operational readiness of naval forces deployed along the strategic waterways connecting Ibaka and Calabar.

Authorities further disclosed that intensified patrols and surveillance operations across the coastal creeks have significantly reduced the activities of sea robbers and other maritime criminals in the region.

In the past four months alone, naval patrol units operating under the Eastern Naval Command have reportedly foiled at least three attempted sea robbery and kidnap incidents, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to protecting maritime trade routes and ensuring the safety of passengers navigating Nigeria’s coastal waters.