No fewer than 15 passengers have been reportedly abducted by gunmen along the Calabar–Oron waterway.
The incident occurred on Friday, April 17, 2026, when the victims were traveling by boat from Calabar in Cross River State to Oron in Akwa Ibom State. Sources indicate that a majority of those kidnapped were students heading to sit for their JAMB examinations.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said security agencies have launched coordinated efforts to rescue the victims.
According to him, the Command is working in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the Nigerian Navy, and other security agencies to secure the safe release of those abducted.
“The Command is working in close synergy with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy.
Coordinated search-and-rescue and tactical operations are currently ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the victims and the swift apprehension of the perpetrators,” he said.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are being intensified to bring the situation under control and rescue all victims unharmed.
