The navy has rescued three passengers following a suspected sea robbery attack along the waterways of Akwa Ibom State.
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 by the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the naval patrol received a distress call at about 9:30 p.m. from a passing boat reporting an ongoing attack by suspected sea robbers around the Mbendoro waters.
Responding swiftly to the alert, the patrol team moved to the scene and rescued a passenger boat carrying tomatoes along with its three occupants.
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The rescued passengers were identified as David Okon, Anietie Friday, and David Edet. The victims were reportedly travelling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when they came under attack.
The navy confirmed that all three passengers were safely escorted to the FOB Ibaka facility, with no injuries recorded during the operation.
Captain Omotosho said the successful rescue highlights the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to protecting lives and securing Nigeria’s maritime domain through continuous surveillance and prompt operational response.
He added that the command remains dedicated to tackling maritime crime and ensuring a safe environment for lawful maritime activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
