Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, working alongside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have successfully rescued 14 individuals who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.
According to the police, the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated action targeting criminal groups operating within the maritime corridor. The joint effort led to the safe release of all victims without injuries.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday. He explained that security operatives acted on credible intelligence, intensified surveillance across identified hotspots, and carried out targeted operations that resulted in the rescue.
The victims are currently undergoing medical checks and debriefing procedures before being reunited with their families.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the joint team for the successful mission, noting that it reflects the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven policing. He also assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest those behind the abduction.
The incident occurred on April 21 when suspected pirates intercepted a passenger boat traveling from Calabar in Cross River State to Oron in Akwa Ibom State. Early reports suggested that some of the passengers were candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The rescue operation comes shortly after the Senate called on security agencies, including the Navy and Police, to strengthen surveillance and security across waterways in the Niger Delta region.
