Gunmen abduct 15 boat passengers in Cross River

Gunmen have abducted no fewer than 15 passengers travelling along the Calabar–Oron waterway in Cross River State.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, involved a commercial Sea Express boat conveying passengers from Calabar, the state capital, to Oron in neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.

Confirming the development, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Mohammed, has directed Commissioners of Police in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states to intensify efforts toward the rescue of the victims.

In a statement issued by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Jefferson Osupe, the AIG ordered the immediate deployment of a coordinated, intelligence-driven inter-state security operation aimed at securing the release of the abducted passengers and apprehending the perpetrators.

Mohammed also instructed the police commands to work closely with the Nigerian Navy and other relevant security agencies to ensure a swift and effective response.

He further directed that all jurisdictional and operational limitations be set aside, with security operatives mandated to deploy all available tactical and intelligence resources to the rescue mission.

“I condemn this attack on innocent Nigerians in strong terms, and want to reassure residents and maritime operators in both states that the Nigeria Police Force under Zone 6 remains resolute, proactive, and fully committed to safeguarding lives and property,” the AIG said.

The Calabar–Oron waterway is a major transport route linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, widely used by commuters and traders.