Calabar, Nigeria | September 28, 2025
The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 17 passengers by suspected sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Igri Ewa, disclosed that the incident occurred on Thursday when a boat transporting about 30 passengers was intercepted by the assailants.
The vessel, belonging to Sea Express Transport Company, was attacked mid-journey, leading to the seizure of 17 individuals.
Ewa added that a serving police officer from Akwa Ibom and a prominent politician from Cross River, who were among the passengers, narrowly escaped being taken.
The abductees were reportedly moved to an undisclosed location, and no contact has been established with their captors.
Security operatives have since launched a search operation, while investigations into the incident continue.
Authorities assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims and restore safety along the busy water route.
