By Asuquo Cletus
The Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers after foiling a suspected sea pirate attack on a passenger boat along the waterways of Akwa Ibom State.
The rescue operation was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, under the Eastern Naval Command during a routine night patrol on July 29 after the patrol team received a distress alert of an ongoing attack around the Mbendoro waters.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Navy Capt. Adebowale Omotosho, said the patrol team swiftly responded to the distress call from a passing boat and rescued a passenger boat conveying tomatoes and its three occupants.
The victims, identified as David Okon, Anietie Friday and David Edet, were travelling from Cameroon to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when they came under attack by suspected sea pirates.
According to the statement, the rescued passengers were safely escorted to the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, and no injuries were recorded during the operation.
“The patrol team immediately responded to the scene and rescued a passenger boat laden with tomatoes and its three occupants, who were travelling from Cameroon to Oron, Akwa Ibom State, when they came under attack by suspected sea robbers,” the statement read.
It added, “The rescued passengers, Mr. David Okon, Anietie Friday, and David Edet were safely escorted to FOB Ibaka. No injuries were recorded during the incident.”
Omotosho said the successful operation reaffirmed the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to combating maritime crime and protecting lives within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“The successful operation underscores the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and securing Nigeria’s maritime domain through sustained surveillance and rapid response operations. The Command remains resolute in combating maritime crime and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all legitimate maritime users,” the statement added.
