The Nigerian Navy has rescued three passengers from sea pirates following an attack on a passenger boat along the waterways in Akwa Ibom State.
The rescue 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 Navy received a distress alert of an ongoing pirate attack around the Mbendoro waters.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base Ibaka-Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the Eastern Naval Command said the patrol team immediately responded to the distress call from a passing boat and successfully 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 were attacked by suspected sea pirates.
The Navy said the rescued passengers were safely escorted to the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, with no injuries recorded during the operation.
The statement read, “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.”
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.”
The command said the successful operation demonstrated its resolve to tackle maritime crime and protect lives within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“The Command remains resolute in combating maritime crime and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all legitimate maritime users,” it added.