Gunmen have abducted 15 passengers during a pirate attack on a commercial boat along the Calabar–Oron waterways in Cross River State.
The victims were reportedly travelling from Calabar, the Cross River capital, to Oron in Akwa Ibom State when the incident occurred on April 16, 2026.
The spokesman of the Police Zone 6 Command, Jefferson Osupe, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the attack prompted an immediate security response.
According to him, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Mohammed, has ordered a sustained joint security operation to secure the release of the victims and track down the perpetrators.
Mohammed directed the Commissioners of Police in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, Rashid Afegbua and Baba Azare, to activate a robust, intelligence-driven and coordinated interstate security framework.
“The directive emphasises seamless collaboration between both state commands, in synergy with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies, to dominate the waterways, dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence in maritime safety across the zone,” the statement said.
The AIG further instructed security operatives to set aside jurisdictional boundaries and deploy all available tactical and intelligence resources to ensure the success of the operation.
He stressed that rescuing the abducted passengers remains a top operational priority, warning that the command would relentlessly pursue those responsible until justice is served.
While condemning the attack, Mohammed reassured residents and maritime operators of the police’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He also urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, and to report suspicious activities, especially within coastal and riverine communities.
The Zone 6 Command reiterated its commitment to transparency and timely updates as operations continue, assuring that there would be no safe haven for criminals in the area.
