The Nigerian Navy has foiled a suspected sea robbery attempt and rescued 16 passengers during a maritime security operation along the Ibaka–Calabar Channel. The incident occurred on Sunday 8 March 2026 following intelligence reports of suspicious criminal activity along the strategic waterway.

According to the Navy, the operation was carried out by personnel from the Forward Operating Base Ibaka after credible information indicated that armed criminals were operating around Buoy 12 on the Ibaka–Calabar maritime corridor. Naval gunboats were immediately deployed to intercept the suspected attackers and secure the area.

Naval officials said the patrol team encountered suspected sea robbers who had intercepted a fibre passenger boat transporting civilians from Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State to Bakassi in Cameroon. The attackers reportedly held the passengers hostage with the intention of abducting them into nearby creeks.

On arrival at the scene the naval team confronted the criminals forcing them to flee into surrounding shallow creeks. The troops successfully rescued all 16 passengers and secured the boat used for the journey. Authorities confirmed that the rescued passengers were unharmed and in stable condition.

After the rescue operation the naval personnel escorted the passengers to the Nigeria Cameroon maritime border to ensure their safe continuation of the trip. The Navy said the operation demonstrates its continued commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment and protecting lives and property at sea.

The development highlights ongoing security operations by the Nigerian Navy aimed at combating piracy and sea robbery along key waterways used for commercial and passenger transportation in the Gulf of Guinea region.