The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has confirmed the abduction of 15 passengers following a sea attack on a passenger boat travelling from Calabar to Oron on Friday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, noting that coordinated rescue efforts are already underway.
According to him, the command is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to ensure the safe recovery of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.
“The command is collaborating closely with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command as well as the Nigerian Navy in coordinated search-and-rescue operations,” Eitokpah said.
“As we speak, tactical operations to secure the safe recovery of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators are ongoing,” he added.
The police confirmation follows earlier reports that armed sea pirates attacked the vessel along the busy Calabar waterways and abducted passengers, with estimates suggesting that up to 20 persons may have been taken, including students reportedly en route to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
A naval source, who spoke anonymously, had earlier disclosed that the attackers intercepted the ferry mid-journey and forced passengers away at gunpoint.
The exact number of abducted passengers remains unclear, but many are believed to be students travelling for the national examination.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over maritime security along the Calabar–Oron corridor, with stakeholders calling for stronger patrols and improved protection of waterways.
Security agencies have intensified search-and-rescue operations as efforts continue to secure the release of the victims and apprehend the attackers.
Elijah Adeyemi
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