Operatives of the police, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have rescued 14 passengers abducted by suspected sea pirates, along the Calabar–Oron waterways.
The victims were freed after what authorities described as sustained, intelligence-driven operations targeting criminal networks operating within the maritime corridor.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the joint operation was carried out following credible intelligence.
According to him, security operatives intensified surveillance and launched coordinated raids across identified flashpoints, leading to the safe recovery of all the victims without injuries.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with operatives of the EFCC, has successfully secured the release of fourteen victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways,” the statement read.
“Acting on credible intelligence, joint operatives intensified surveillance and conducted targeted operations across identified flashpoints, leading to the safe rescue of all victims without harm.
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“The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and necessary debriefing, after which they will be reunited with their families.”
The abduction had occurred on April 21 when armed pirates intercepted a passenger ferry, traveling from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron in Akwa Ibom State, sparking widespread concern over safety along Niger Delta waterways.
Although early reports suggested that some of the victims were candidates travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), authorities have yet to officially confirm this detail.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the joint security team, describing the operation as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing.
He further assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The incident had earlier drawn the attention of the Senate, which called on security agencies, including the navy and the police, to intensify patrol and security operations across the country’s waterways to curb rising cases of piracy and abductions.
