At least 15 passengers have reportedly been kidnapped by armed men along the Calabar–Oron waterways.
The abduction took place on Friday, April 17, 2026, as the victims were traveling by boat from Calabar in Cross River State to Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
Sources say most of those taken were students on their way to sit for the JAMB examination.
The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, who stated that security agencies have begun coordinated efforts to rescue the victims.
He explained that the Command is collaborating with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the Nigerian Navy, and other security bodies to ensure the victims’ safe return.
According to him, joint search-and-rescue operations, along with tactical measures, are currently underway to secure the release of those abducted and to apprehend those responsible.
“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”.
Authorities have also reassured the public that intensified efforts are in place to resolve the situation and ensure all victims are rescued unharmed.