Fourteen kidnapped victims have been freed from the grip of sea pirates operating along the Calabar–Oron waterways, following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The rescue marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle maritime crime in the region, where piracy and abductions have become a growing concern for commuters and businesses.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the victims were released unharmed after a series of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal groups active along the coastal corridor.
Security operatives reportedly acted on credible intelligence, stepping up surveillance and executing targeted raids across identified hotspots. The strategy ultimately forced the kidnappers to lose control, leading to the safe recovery of all captives.
“The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and necessary debriefing, after which they will be reunited with their families,” the statement confirmed.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the joint operation, describing it as proof that inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven tactics can deliver results against organised crime.
Authorities say the operation is part of a broader push to dismantle criminal networks exploiting Nigeria’s waterways, particularly in the South-South region.
Despite the successful rescue, the police acknowledged that the threat is not over. Efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, with security agencies maintaining heightened operations in the area.
The development offers a rare moment of relief in a region often plagued by maritime insecurity, but it also underscores the persistent challenge of policing Nigeria’s vast and vulnerable waterways.
