Rapid Navy Response Rescues Three From Suspected Sea Robbers In Akwa Ibom
By OFFIONG ARCHIBONG
THE Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers after suspected sea robbers attacked their boat along the Akwa Ibom waterways.
The operation took place during a routine night patrol by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka.
The rescue team belongs to the Eastern Naval Command.
The Navy said the patrol received a distress alert at about 9:30 p.m. from another boat passing through the Mbendoro area.
The report indicated that armed criminals were attacking a passenger vessel.
The patrol team responded immediately.
The officers located the boat and rescued the passengers before the situation worsened.
The victims, identified as David Okon, Anietie Friday and David Edet, were travelling from Cameroon to Oron with a cargo of tomatoes.
The Navy escorted the passengers to its Ibaka base after securing the area.
Officials confirmed that the operation ended without casualties or injuries.
Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, said the rescue demonstrated the Navy’s ability to respond quickly to threats within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He stressed that continuous patrols and intelligence-driven operations remain vital to protecting lives and commercial activities on the nation’s waterways.
The Eastern Naval Command pledged to sustain its campaign against piracy, sea robbery and other maritime crimes while ensuring that Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways remain safe for lawful users.
