The Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers following a suspected sea robbery attack along the waterways of Akwa Ibom State.
The Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, August 3, 2026.
According to the statement, the rescue operation was carried out by personnel of FOB Ibaka under the Eastern Naval Command during a routine night patrol on Tuesday, July 29, 2026.
Omotosho said the naval team sprang into action after receiving 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.
“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.
According to the Navy, the victims were travelling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when their boat was attacked by the suspected sea robbers.
The statement added that the passengers were safely escorted to the FOB Ibaka facility, with no injuries recorded during the rescue operation.
The Navy said the successful operation reflects the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to protecting lives and securing Nigeria’s maritime environment through continuous surveillance and swift response operations.
It reaffirmed the command’s determination to combat maritime crime and ensure the safety of legitimate maritime users operating within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
