Gunmen suspected to be sea pirates hijacked a commercial passenger boat conveying 30 people from Calabar, Cross River, to Oron, Akwa Ibom, and abducted 17 passengers.
The attack occurred around Bouy 34 waterways at about 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025 when the fibre boat, operated by Sea Express Jetty, was intercepted.
“Seventeen passengers were taken away to an unknown destination, while 13 others were rescued from the boat. Patrol gunboats have been dispatched to the scene in collaboration with other security agencies to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators,” sources told security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Investigations were ongoing, while further updates would be provided as the situation developed.
Journalist Agba Jalingo, who also confirmed the incident said the spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Timfon John and former Cross River governorship candidate, Eyo Ekpo, were on the boat.
