\n\nGunmen suspected to be sea pirates have abducted 15 passengers travelling along the Calabar–Oron waterways in the South-South region of Nigeria. The incident occurred when the attackers intercepted a commercial boat and forced the passengers into their speedboats before escaping through the creeks. 
The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the attack, saying it happened on Friday and that security agencies only got details later. The police stated that a coordinated rescue operation has been launched in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy to track down the attackers and free the victims. 
Authorities said the waterways remain a vulnerable route despite its heavy use by commuters, especially due to the poor condition of nearby road networks. The incident adds to a growing pattern of kidnappings on river and coastal transport routes, where armed groups exploit weak security coverage to target passengers. 
Security agencies have assured that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims safely, while also intensifying patrols along the affected waterways to prevent further attacks.
