Gunmen Ambush Passenger Boat, Kidnap 15 in Cross River

Gunmen have abducted at least 15 passengers along the Calabar-Oron waterway in Cross River State, sparking a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.

The victims were kidnapped on Friday while travelling aboard a Sea Express boat from Calabar to Oron. The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed that the command had activated rescue efforts in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy.

“With respect to the alleged abduction of fifteen passengers aboard a Sea Express boat en route from Calabar to Oron on Friday, the command is working in close synergy with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy,” Eitokpah said.

Joint operation underway

Coordinated search-and-rescue and tactical operations are currently ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the victims and the swift apprehension of the perpetrators, the police spokesperson added.

A naval officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the gunmen ambushed the passenger ferry during the journey. The boat had departed Calabar and was heading to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when the incident occurred.

The Calabar-Oron waterway is a key inland maritime route linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, serving as an important corridor for passenger and goods movement across the lower reaches of the Cross River and its creeks.

Route notorious for piracy

In recent years, the route has become notorious for piracy, kidnappings, and armed attacks on passenger ferries, largely due to the network of creeks and mangroves that provide cover for criminal elements.

The police have urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue mission. Updates will be provided as operations progress.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post, The Sun, Chronicle