At least seventeen passengers who were abducted eleven days ago along the Calabar-Oron waterways have been successfully rescued following the swift and coordinated efforts of the Cross River State Government, in collaboration with security agencies and local community vigilante groups.
The victims, who were held hostage after their passenger boat was hijacked by gunmen on Thursday, September 25, are currently receiving medical treatment and psychological support at a government-owned medical facility in Calabar.
According to preliminary reports, the boat operated by Sea Express Limited, was ferrying approximately thirty passengers from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron, Akwa Ibom State, when it was ambushed by heavily armed men mid-sea.
The assailants reportedly diverted the vessel toward a creek community before taking a number of passengers captive.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, in a statement issued on Monday, commended the State Security Adviser’s Office, the Nigerian Navy, and the Marine Police Unit for their resilience and tactical precision during the rescue operation.
“This coordinated intervention demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the state government under His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, to the safety and security of all residents and travellers within our territorial boundaries,” the statement read.
It was further disclosed that the rescue operation followed days of intelligence gathering and joint surveillance by a combined team of naval officers, local trackers, and anti-piracy units, leading to the safe release of all hostages without payment of ransom.
Governor Otu, while receiving the rescued passengers, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to ensure that the waterways remain safe for commercial and recreational activities.
“Our waterways are critical to trade and tourism.We will not allow criminals to disrupt peace or threaten the lives of any law-abiding citizens.
This rescue marks a strong message that Cross River will not be a safe haven for criminal elements,” he said.
The governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Ministry of Health to provide necessary support for the victims’ rehabilitation and reintegration.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy Base, NNS Victory, Calabar, has intensified routine patrols and set up additional surveillance checkpoints along the waterways connecting Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
Authorities have warned that any attempt to undermine maritime security within the state’s territory will be met with decisive action.
Public reactions have been largely positive, with residents and travellers commending the government’s prompt action. Maritime transport operators have also expressed renewed confidence in the safety of the Calabar-Oron route, urging authorities to sustain the momentum.
This latest incident underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle piracy and other criminal activities along Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways,a strategic corridor for trade and inter-state travel in the Gulf of Guinea region.
