17 kidnapped passengers on Calabar Waterways freed
Seventeen passengers abducted along the Calabar-Oron waterways have been rescued following a coordinated operation by the Cross River State Government in collaboration with security agencies and community vigilante groups. In a statement on Monday, Mr. Bassey Asuquo confirmed that the victims, who were taken hostage after their passenger boat was hijacked on September 25, are […]
Seventeen passengers abducted along the Calabar-Oron waterways have been rescued following a coordinated operation by the Cross River State Government in collaboration with security agencies and community vigilante groups.
In a statement on Monday, Mr. Bassey Asuquo confirmed that the victims, who were taken hostage after their passenger boat was hijacked on September 25, are receiving medical care and psychological support at a government-owned facility in Calabar.
According to official reports, the passenger boat operated by Sea Express Limited was conveying about 30 passengers from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron, Akwa Ibom State, when it came under attack. A number of the passengers were subsequently taken away by the assailants.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information commended the State Security Adviser’s Office, the Nigerian Navy, and the Marine Police for their swift and coordinated response, describing the rescue as “a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the safety of all residents and travellers.”
“This coordinated intervention reflects the unwavering resolve of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to ensure safety across the state’s waterways,” the statement read.
The operation, which followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance, led to the safe recovery of all abducted passengers. No casualties were recorded.
Receiving the victims in Calabar, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to maintain security across the state’s maritime corridors.
“Our waterways are critical to trade and tourism. We will not allow criminals to disrupt peace or threaten lives. This rescue sends a clear message that Cross River will not tolerate any form of insecurity,” he stated.
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive support for the victims’ rehabilitation and reintegration.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Calabar, has intensified patrols and established additional surveillance checkpoints along the Calabar-Oron route to enhance maritime security.
Residents and transport operators have commended the state government and security agencies for their swift intervention, expressing renewed confidence in the safety of waterway transportation.
The successful operation highlights ongoing efforts by security forces to strengthen maritime safety and combat criminal activities along Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways—an essential corridor for commerce and inter-state movement in the Gulf of Guinea region.