RismadarVoice Reporters
August 3, 2026
The Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers from a suspected sea robbery attack along the waterways of Akwa Ibom State, reinforcing ongoing efforts to combat maritime crime and secure Nigeria’s coastal environment.
The rescue operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, under the Eastern Naval Command, during a routine night patrol on Tuesday, July 29, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the naval patrol swiftly responded to a distress alert received at about 9:30 p.m. from a passing boat reporting an ongoing sea robbery attack around the Mbendoro waterways.
He said the patrol team immediately deployed to the area and successfully rescued a passenger boat conveying tomatoes, along with its three occupants.
The rescued passengers were identified as David Okon, Anietie Friday and David Edet.
According to the Navy, the victims were travelling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when suspected sea robbers intercepted their boat.
Following the rescue, the passengers were safely escorted to the Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, with no injuries recorded during the operation.
Captain Omotosho said the successful mission underscores the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding maritime trade and maintaining security within Nigeria’s territorial waters through sustained surveillance and rapid response operations.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s resolve to intensify efforts against sea robbery and other maritime crimes to ensure a safe and secure operating environment for legitimate users of the nation’s waterways.
