At least 15 passengers have been reportedly abducted by gunmen following a brazen attack on a commercial boat along the Calabar–Oron waterway in Cross River State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, involved a Sea Express vessel traveling from Calabar to Oron when it was ambushed by armed assailants. The attackers intercepted the boat mid-journey and forcefully took away several passengers to an unknown destination.
Security agencies have since launched a coordinated rescue operation to secure the safe release of the victims.
Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing, involving collaboration between the Cross River State Police Command, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, and the Nigerian Navy.
Police spokesperson in Cross River, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed that joint tactical operations have been activated to track down the perpetrators and rescue those abducted.
According to him, security operatives are working in synergy across state lines to ensure swift intervention and bring those responsible to justice.
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A naval source also confirmed that the attackers carried out a calculated ambush during the boat’s journey, taking advantage of the waterways’ complex network of creeks.
The Calabar–Oron route remains a vital inland transport corridor connecting Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
However, it has increasingly become a hotspot for maritime crimes, including piracy and kidnapping, due to its difficult terrain and limited surveillance.
Authorities have urged residents and commuters to remain calm while providing any useful information that could assist ongoing rescue efforts.
Further updates are expected as operations continue.
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