How Navy rescued 17 kidnapped passengers in Calabar waterway operation

…says DSS, DIA provided captious quality support

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory has rescued 17 passengers abducted by oversea pirates on the Calabar–Oron waterway successful Cross River State.

According to a connection signed by Lieutenant Commander Sulaiman Bala, connected behalf of the Commander of NNS Victory, the victims were kidnapped connected September 25, 2025, portion travelling from Calabar to Oron aboard a Sea Express boat.

Bala said the rescue operation, conducted connected Monday, October 6, 2025, followed days of sustained surveillance and coordinated efforts by aggregate naval formations.

“Following the incident, gallant unit of NNS Victory, with enactment from Forward Operating Base Ibaka, launched a bid of operations, including the blockade of creeks starring to the kidnappers’ camp,” the connection read.

He explained that aerial surveillance carried retired by the Nigerian Navy Air Arm nether the coordination of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command and the absorption of the Chief of Naval Staff was instrumental successful tracking the criminals’ movements.

“The occurrence of the ngo was further aided by credible quality from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

“These efforts efficaciously chopped disconnected the kidnappers’ logistics supply, compelling them to judge negotiations with the Office of the National Security Adviser for the harmless merchandise of the victims to the Nigerian Navy,” Bala added.

Upon their rescue, the 17 passengers were taken to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital successful Calabar for aesculapian valuation earlier being handed implicit to the absorption of Sea Express Transit Limited for onward reunion with their families.

Bala assured that the Navy would not relent successful its efforts to unafraid the waterways and support law-abiding citizens.

“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to ensuring maritime information and security. Operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing,” helium stated.

The station How Navy rescued 17 kidnapped passengers successful Calabar waterway operation appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.