The Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers after their boat was attacked by suspected sea robbers on the waterways of Akwa Ibom State.
The incident happened around the Mbendoro waters on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, while the passengers were travelling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom.
The rescue was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, under the Eastern Naval Command during a routine night patrol.
The Navy said its patrol team received a distress alert at about 9:30 p.m. from a passing boat reporting an ongoing sea robbery attack in the area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the naval team immediately moved to the area.
“The naval team immediately proceeded to the location, where they rescued a passenger boat loaded with tomatoes and its three occupants,” the statement said.
The rescued passengers were identified as David Okon, Anietie Friday and David Edet.
The Navy said the three men were safely escorted to the FOB Ibaka facility after the operation.
Fortunately, no injuries were recorded.
The Navy said the passengers were travelling from Cameroon to Oron when their boat came under attack by suspected sea robbers.
“The successful operation underscores the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and securing Nigeria’s maritime domain through sustained surveillance and rapid response operations,” the statement added.
The command also said it remained committed to fighting maritime crime and ensuring that Nigeria’s waterways remain safe for people carrying out legitimate business.
