Gunmen have kidnapped 15 passengers during a pirate attack on a ferry travelling along the Calabar–Oron waterways in Cross River State.

According to police authorities, the incident occurred on April 16, 2026, as the victims were journeying from Calabar to Oron.

The spokesperson for Zone 6 Police Command, Jefferson Osupe, confirmed the abduction, noting that the victims were taken during the attack.

Following the incident, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Mohammed, ordered an immediate and sustained joint security operation.

He directed the Commissioners of Police in Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State — Rashid Afegbua and Baba Azare — to implement a coordinated, intelligence-driven interstate security strategy aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending those responsible.

The directive emphasised collaboration between both state commands, alongside the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, to secure the waterways, dismantle criminal networks, and improve maritime safety in the region.

Mohammed instructed security operatives to put aside jurisdictional limitations and deploy all available tactical and intelligence resources, stressing that rescuing the abducted passengers remains a top priority.

He condemned the attack and reassured residents and maritime operators that the police are committed to protecting lives and property. He also urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

The command further assured that there would be no safe haven for criminals within Zone 6 and pledged continued transparency and timely updates as operations progress.