Three passengers have been rescued by the Nigerian Navy following a suspected sea robbery incident along the waterways of Akwa Ibom State.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, operating under the Eastern Naval Command, after officers responded to an emergency alert during a routine night patrol on Tuesday, July 29, 2026.
Distress Call Triggered Immediate Rescue Mission
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the patrol team received a distress report at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The alert came from another vessel passing through the Mbendoro waterways, where suspected sea robbers were reportedly attacking a passenger boat.
Upon receiving the information, naval officers immediately redirected their patrol to the scene.
Passenger Boat Found Carrying Tomatoes and Three Occupants
When the patrol team arrived, they located the targeted boat and safely rescued everyone on board.
The vessel, which was transporting a cargo of tomatoes, had three passengers identified as David Okon, Anietie Friday and David Edet.
The Navy confirmed that all three individuals were safely recovered from the area without sustaining any injuries during the operation.
Victims Were Travelling From Cameroon to Oron
Officials disclosed that the rescued passengers had been travelling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when they encountered the suspected sea robbers.
Following the rescue, naval personnel escorted the passengers and their boat to the Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, where they were received safely after the successful intervention.
Navy Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Security
The Eastern Naval Command described the operation as another demonstration of its determination to protect lives and secure Nigeria’s coastal waters.
According to the statement, the successful rescue reflects the effectiveness of continuous maritime surveillance and the Navy’s ability to respond rapidly to emergencies along the nation’s waterways.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Maritime Crime
The command stressed that it remains focused on tackling criminal activities at sea while providing a safer environment for fishermen, traders, transport operators and other legitimate users of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
It added that sustained patrols and prompt operational responses will continue to play a key role in preventing sea robbery and other maritime crimes across the country’s territorial waters.
