Asuquo Cletus
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory has rescued 17 passengers who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterway, Cross River State.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Commander Bala on Wednesday, on behalf of the Commander, NNS Victory, the victims were kidnapped on September 25, 2025, while traveling from Calabar to Oron onboard a Sea Express boat.
Bala said the Navy’s rescue was carried out on Monday, October 6, 2025, after sustained surveillance and coordinated efforts by multiple naval formations. “Following the incident, gallant personnel of NNS Victory, with support from Forward Operating Base Ibaka, embarked on a series of operations including the blockade of creeks leading to the kidnappers’ camp,” the statement read.
He added that aerial surveillance operations conducted by the Nigerian Navy Air Arm—under the coordination of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command and direction of the Chief of Naval Staff—played a key role in tracking the criminals’ movements. The success of the mission was further aided by credible intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
“These efforts effectively cut off the kidnappers’ logistics supply, compelling them to accept negotiations with the Office of the National Security Adviser for the safe release of the victims to the Nigerian Navy,” the statement added.
Upon their rescue, the 17 passengers were taken to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar for medical evaluation before being handed over to the management of Sea Express Transit Limited for onward reunion with their families.
The Navy reassured the public of its continued commitment to maritime security, warning that operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects were still ongoing. “The Nigerian Navy will not relent in its efforts to rid the waterways of undesirable elements to enable law-abiding citizens to go about their normal activities without hindrance,” Bala emphasized.
