Security Crisis Deepens as Sea Pirates Hijack Passenger Ferry and Seven Herders Face Arrest for Separate Highway Abduction

Security forces rescue 18 in Benue and arrest seven herders, while sea pirates abduct 20 passengers on the Calabar waterways including student candidates.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 7:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Vanguard News

Maritime Ambush Near Calabar Waterways

Gunmen identified as sea pirates launched a high stakes attack on a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron in Akwa Ibom State. A naval officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the armed group intercepted the vessel mid-journey and forced the passengers away at gunpoint. Among the victims are candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, raising immediate concerns regarding the safety of student transit during the national testing period. While local police commands remain in a state of jurisdictional deliberation over the incident, the maritime assault has heightened fears regarding the security of regional water transit.

Successful Rescue Mission in Benue State

In the North Central region, a joint security operation successfully secured the release of 18 individuals who were kidnapped last Wednesday along the Makurdi, Otukpo highway. Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, reported that the pressure applied by a specialized tactical team forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives. The victims, who were traveling in a commercial bus when they were ambushed, were eventually located in a forest within the Ohimini Local Government Area. All rescued passengers have since been evacuated for medical evaluation at a teaching hospital in Otukpo.

Arrest of Militia Suspects Following Abduction

The Benue State Police Command has taken eight individuals into custody, seven of whom are suspected militia herdsmen directly linked to the highway kidnapping. Commissioner Emenari disclosed that several victims have already identified the suspects during preliminary investigations. This enforcement action follows a directive from the Inspector General of Police to flush out criminal elements from forest hideouts. The state government has lauded the use of tactical intelligence and community cooperation in tracking the suspects immediately after the abduction.