Seventeen passengers kidnapped by gunmen along the Calabar–Oron waterway have regained their freedom after spending 12 days in captivity.
A senior naval officer, who confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, said the victims were rescued from the creeks without any ransom payment.
According to the source, the rescue operation was carried out by the Nigerian Navy following credible intelligence that led to the blockade of the kidnappers’ only escape route.
“The kidnappers, who had run out of food supplies, had no choice but to release their victims. We avoided direct confrontation to ensure their safety,” the officer said.
He added that the rescued passengers are receiving medical care at the Naval Reference Hospital in Calabar, while security forces continue to pursue the kidnappers.
“The Calabar waterways remain safe for the movement of goods and passengers,” the officer assured.
The victims were abducted while traveling from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron in Akwa Ibom when their ferry was hijacked.
Some passengers, including the Akwa Ibom Police Command spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, escaped the abduction after the kidnappers’ boat became overcrowded.
