Dare Babalola
Gunmen have abducted at least 15 passengers travelling along the Calabar–Oron waterways, in the latest attack highlighting growing insecurity on Nigeria’s inland routes.
The victims were reportedly seized on Friday when armed men ambushed a ferry en route from Calabar in Cross River State to Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
Confirming the development on Monday, the spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, Sunday Eitokpah, said security agencies have launched a joint operation to rescue the victims.
“The command is working in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom Command and the Navy,” he said. “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.”
The Calabar–Oron waterways have in recent months become a hotspot for attacks, as more commuters turn to water transport due to the poor condition of the Calabar–Itu federal highway.
Friday’s abduction adds to a string of similar incidents in the area.
In September 2025, no fewer than 17 passengers were kidnapped along the same route, while another 20 travellers were abducted in April 2025 during a boat journey from Oron to Calabar.
Kidnapping for ransom continues to spread across Nigeria, affecting a wide range of victims, including students, commuters and religious leaders, amid persistent concerns over security on both land and waterways.
