Cross River: Nigerian Army Foils Abduction, Rescues Passengers From Suspected Sea Pirates

The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued four abducted passengers from the grip of suspected sea pirates operating along the waterways between Nigeria and Cameroon, according to confirmed security reports. The swift intervention, which took place on December 2, 2025, prevented what could have escalated into another tragic episode of maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea region.

The victims—identified as Ebuka Clinton, Alice David Albino, Usin Divine, and a yet-to-be-named passenger—had boarded a commercial speedboat at Ikang Beach in Bakassi Local Government Area. Their intended destination was Isanghele Fishing Pond in neighboring Cameroon, a common route frequently used by traders, fishermen, and local residents who commute between the two countries.

However, not long after departure, the speedboat was reportedly intercepted by a group of armed men believed to be sea pirates. These criminals, who have been known to terrorize the creeks and maritime corridors of the region, forcefully diverted the passengers to an undisclosed location deep within the waterways. The hijacking created tension among local travelers and reignited concerns over the rising activities of pirates along the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime border.

According to military sources, the situation took a dramatic turn when a Nigerian Army patrol boat conducting routine surveillance on the waterways approached the area. Upon sighting the military vessel, the assailants opened fire in a bid to scare off the soldiers and facilitate their escape. The gunmen, realizing they were likely to be overpowered, abandoned the kidnapped passengers and fled toward the Cameroonian creeks using a secondary speedboat.

During the exchange of gunfire, one of the victims, Blessing Bassey Edem, a resident of Ikang, sustained a bullet wound to her right buttock. Despite the injury, military personnel were able to evacuate her and the rest of the rescued passengers from the scene safely. The victims were immediately transported to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention. Hospital sources later confirmed that all the rescued individuals are responding positively to treatment and are in stable condition.

The successful rescue operation has been praised as a demonstration of the military’s increased vigilance and rapid response capabilities in the region. Security officials note that the waterways around Bakassi, a historically contested area, require constant monitoring due to their vast, complex terrain and longstanding challenges with piracy, smuggling, and cross-border criminal networks.

Authorities have since intensified surveillance along major maritime routes in Cross River State and the Nigeria–Cameroon boundary. The aim is to deter further criminal attempts and reassure residents, traders, and travelers who rely heavily on marine transportation. Security agencies have also urged community members to promptly report suspicious movements to prevent similar incidents.

The rescue underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian forces to secure coastal communities and address the evolving threats posed by sea pirates and other armed groups that exploit the region’s difficult terrain. As investigations continue, the Nigerian Army remains committed to maintaining a strong presence on the waterways and ensuring the safety of all commuters in the Cross River maritime corridor.