The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 17 passengers by sea pirates on the Calabar-Oron waterways.
The incident occurred on Thursday when gunmen hijacked a commercial passenger boat operated by Sea Express Limited.
The boat, carrying about 30 passengers, was en route from Calabar in Cross River State to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when the attack happened.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Igri Ewa, said security forces had launched a rescue operation.
“We are aware of the abduction and are making efforts to rescue the victims. No contact has been made by their abductors yet,” he said.
Ewa explained that marine police and other security agencies were already working together to track down the assailants.
Patrol gunboats have also been deployed along the waterways.
This is not the first time pirates have attacked boats in the region.
In April 2025, suspected pirates kidnapped 20 passengers along the Akwa Ibom–Cross River waterways and demanded a ransom of ₦100 million.
Earlier that same month, five passengers were seized on the Degema-Akuku-Toru route in Rivers State.
On April 18, another 20 passengers were abducted in similar circumstances on the Cross River waterways.
In September 2024, 10 passengers were kidnapped by pirates along the Bonny waterways in Rivers State.
These repeated attacks underscore the rising threat of sea piracy across Nigeria’s coastal routes.
Travelers and residents have raised concerns about safety, calling for more patrols and stronger enforcement.
Security analysts say the abductions highlight both the growing insecurity in maritime transport and the urgent need for coordinated military and police operations to secure the waterways.
As of Friday, police and marine security teams were still searching for the abducted passengers.
Authorities have urged calm and assured families that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the victims.
