Navy rescues three as sea robbers attack boat in A’Ibom

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The Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers from a suspected sea robbery attack along the waterways in Akwa Ibom State.

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The rescue was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka under the Eastern Naval Command during a routine night patrol last week.

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According to a statement on Monday by the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Navy Capt Adebowale Omotosho, the patrol team responded after receiving a distress alert at about 9:30 pm from a passing boat reporting an ongoing sea robbery attack around the Mbendoro waters.

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It stated, “The naval team immediately proceeded to the location, where they rescued a passenger boat loaded with tomatoes and its three occupants.

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“The patrol team responded after receiving a distress alert at about 9:30 p.m. from a passing boat reporting an ongoing sea robbery attack around the Mbendoro waters.”

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The statement identified the rescued passengers as David Okon, Anietie Friday and David Edet.

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It added that the victims were travelling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when their boat came under attack by suspected sea robbers.

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The Navy said the rescued passengers were safely escorted to the FOB Ibaka facility, noting that no injuries were recorded during the operation.

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“The successful operation underscores the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and securing Nigeria’s maritime domain through sustained surveillance and rapid response operations,” the statement read.

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It added that the command remained committed to combating maritime crime and ensuring a safe and secure environment for legitimate maritime users operating within the nation’s territorial waters.

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