By Kelvin Ololo And Sylvia Akpan
A coordinated security operation has been activated across the Calabar-Oron waterways following a pirate attack on a passenger ferry that reportedly left about 15 persons abducted, prompting urgent intervention by the Zone 6 Police Command and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
The attack, which occurred on April 16, 2026, has sparked renewed concern over maritime safety in the region. CrossRiverWatch had earlier reported that 15 passengers were kidnapped during the assault, highlighting the scale of the incident and the growing threat of piracy along the route.
In response, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Musa Mohammed, has ordered immediate and sustained joint security operations to secure the safe rescue of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Jefferson Osupe, the AIG directed the Commissioners of Police in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States – Rashid B. Afegbua and Baba Mohammed Azare to immediately deploy a robust, intelligence driven and inter-state operational framework.
The directive mandates seamless collaboration between both police commands in synergy with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies to dominate the waterways, dismantle criminal networks, and restore confidence in maritime transportation.
The Police authorities emphasized that jurisdictional boundaries must not hinder operations, as all available tactical and intelligence assets are to be deployed toward the rescue mission.
The AIG stressed that the safe recovery of the abducted passengers remains a top priority, warning that security forces will relentlessly pursue those responsible.
READ: Effort To Rescue Kidnapped JAMB Candidates Along Calabar-Oron Waterways In Force – Police
While condemning the attack, the Zone 6 Command reassured residents and maritime operators of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property. It also urged members of the public, particularly those in coastal and riverine communities, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that may aid ongoing operations.
The Command further assured that updates will be provided as operations progress, reinforcing its commitment to transparency while working to curb piracy and strengthen security along the Calabar-Oron waterways.
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Government has debunked the kidnap, saying the incident never happened.
In an official rebuttal signed by Effiwatt Ededem, Department of Marine Services, Cross River State, the Special Adviser on Marine Services to the Governor of Cross River State, Capt. Otu Ita Otu, said “no such incident occurred on the official Calabar–Oron waterway, which is under the jurisdiction and surveillance of the Cross River State Government.”
The Special Adviser said their findings establish that while the said boat departed from Calabar-bound for Oron, it did not navigate the approved and regulated Calabar–Oron waterway. “The operator of the boat chose to utilize an unapproved shortcut route that is not recognized as part of the official sea transportation corridor.”
He said on Friday, April 17, 2026, the SA alongside the State Security Adviser, was on a scheduled marine patrol along the official Calabar–Oron waterway. The patrol was conducted without any record of abduction, attack, or security breach, he said.
“The public is hereby informed that boats plying the official Calabar–Oron waterway are mandated to pass through 3 to 5 Marine Security Checkpoints strategically established to ensure the safety of passengers and crew before arrival at Oron.”
Captain Otu Ita further debunked that “the public and all maritime stakeholders are reminded that there is a standing restriction of movement on sea transport along the Calabar–Oron waterway. With effect from 6:00 p.m. daily, no boat is permitted to operate on the Calabar–Oron waterway. This measure is part of the State Government’s proactive security framework to safeguard lives and property.”
He enjoin all sea transport operators, boat captains, and relevant stakeholders to comply strictly with the use of officially designated waterway routes and to adhere to the stipulated operating hours as the patronage of unapproved shortcuts and violation of the 5:00 p.m. curfew endangers lives and undermines the robust maritime security architecture instituted by the Cross River State Government.
The denial has however, raised public uproar, questioning Police at the Zone, states and Navy’s intelligence gathering.
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