Nigerian Navy rescues 22 passengers abducted in Akwa Ibom boat hijacking

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers who were abducted by suspected sea robbers following a boat hijacking in Akwa Ibom State. The incident occurred on August 11, 2026, along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway when a wooden passenger boat traveling from Henshaw Town Beach to Utan Uyata, Ibaka, was intercepted near the Enwang Community.

A coordinated rescue operation involving the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4, and the Marine Police resulted in the recovery of the hijacked vessel. Eleven passengers were found after being abandoned by the attackers at Asak-Ikang Creek, while another eleven who escaped during the initial attack were located at the OPDS Sector 4 command post.

Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho confirmed that no ransom was paid for the release of the victims. Following the rescue, the passengers received medical attention at the FOB Ibaka Sickbay before being arranged for return to Calabar. Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and inter-agency cooperation to protect Nigerian waterways.