By Abasi Ita
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory has rescued 17 passengers abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterway in Cross River State.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Commander Suilman Bala, on behalf of the Commander, NNS Victory, the victims were kidnapped on September 25, 2025, while travelling from Calabar to Oron aboard a Sea Express boat.
Bala said the rescue operation, carried out on Monday, October 6, 2025, was the outcome of sustained surveillance and coordinated intelligence-led efforts by multiple naval formations.
“Following the incident, gallant personnel of NNS Victory, with support from Forward Operating Base Ibaka, mounted a blockade of creeks leading to the kidnappers’ camp,” the statement read.
He explained that aerial surveillance by the Nigerian Navy Air Arm under the coordination of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command and the direction of the Chief of Naval Staff was key to tracking the criminals’ movements.
Bala said the success of the mission was further boosted by credible intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
“These combined efforts disrupted the kidnappers’ logistics chain and forced them into negotiations with the Office of the National Security Adviser for the safe release of the victims,” he noted.
Upon their rescue, the 17 passengers were taken to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar for medical checks before being handed over to the management of Sea Express Transit Limited for reunion with their families.
Bala assured that the Navy would sustain its aggressive patrols to ensure the safety of lives and property on the waterways.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in ridding the nation’s waters of criminal elements. Operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” he stated.