Navy rescues three passengers from pirates in Akwa Ibom

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

The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, August 3, 2026.

According to the statement, the rescue was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, under the Eastern Naval Command during a routine night patrol on Tuesday, July 29, 2026.

Omotosho said 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.

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

“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.”

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

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.

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

“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 added.

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.