Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers following the hijacking of a wooden passenger boat by suspected sea robbers along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Akwa Ibom State. The operation, conducted on August 11, 2026, was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police. This coordinated effort demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s waterways and the people who depend on them for transportation and livelihood.

The operation followed an attack on a passenger boat travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka. According to the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the passenger boat came under attack shortly after passing the Enwang community when five armed men in a speedboat intercepted the vessel and took control of the boat and its passengers. The attackers, armed with dangerous weapons, threatened the passengers and forcibly took over the vessel, leaving the victims terrified and helpless in the middle of the waterway.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement that the passengers were abducted while the vessel was hijacked. Following receipt of the distress information, personnel of FOB Ibaka and collaborating security agencies launched a coordinated operation to locate the victims and recover the hijacked boat. The swift response by the security forces was critical in ensuring that the criminals were unable to escape with their captives and that the vessel was recovered without any loss of life.

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The security operation forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon their captives and the hijacked boat at Asak-Ikang Creek on Wednesday before fleeing towards Oron. Naval personnel, working with collaborating security agencies, immediately conducted a sweep of the creek and rescued 11 passengers who had been abandoned by the attackers. Another 11 passengers who had escaped during the initial attack were subsequently located and debriefed at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22. The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the importance of timely intelligence in combating maritime crime.

The rescued passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical assessment and first aid before arrangements were made for their safe return to Calabar alongside the recovered boat. The Navy confirmed that no ransom was paid for their release, underscoring the professionalism and commitment of the security forces to protecting citizens without capitulating to the demands of criminals. The passengers, though traumatized by their ordeal, were reported to be in stable condition and grateful for the timely intervention of the Navy and other security agencies.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, enhancing inter-agency cooperation and leveraging timely intelligence to deny criminals freedom of action along the nation’s waterways. Okehie said the successful operation underscored the Navy’s determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and maintain a secure maritime environment. He emphasized that the Navy would continue to adopt proactive measures to prevent such incidents and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

He added that the Nigerian Navy would continue to work with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to combat sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of maritime criminality across the country’s waterways. This successful operation follows recent naval efforts in the region, including the destruction of a suspected militant camp in Cross River State and the rescue of three passengers in a separate operation in Akwa Ibom earlier in August 2026. The Navy’s sustained presence and proactive operations in the region have contributed to a significant reduction in maritime crime and increased confidence among waterway users.

Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

[ICYMI] How Nigerian Medical Doctor Was Promoted to Captain in US Army

Every year, Nigerians across the globe continue to distinguish themselves in various fields of human endeavour, and the United States military is no exception. The latest Nigerian to achieve this rare feat is Chi Uzoma, a Nigerian-born medical doctor who has been promoted to the rank of Captain in the United States Army, marking a significant career milestone for the Nigerian professional serving abroad. Uzoma shared the exciting news on social media on Sunday, August 9, 2026, expressing deep gratitude for the journey that brought her to this moment. In her post on X, she wrote, “Today, I proudly wear the rank of CAPTAIN. The journey has been nothing short of a blessing, and I’m deeply grateful to God for every opportunity that has brought me to this moment.” The announcement was accompanied by a photograph of her in military uniform, bearing the name “UZOMA,” and the post quickly garnered widespread attention and congratulatory messages from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

This promotion to Captain comes just a few months after Uzoma was elevated to the rank of Sergeant in March 2026, demonstrating a swift and consistent progression within the U.S. military. Her rapid advancement through the ranks highlights a period of remarkable professional growth and dedication to service. At the time of her sergeant promotion, she wrote, “Got promoted to Sergeant today. Grateful to God for the journey, the lessons, and challenges that led to this moment. Proud to wear these stripes.” This quick rise from Sergeant to Captain within a few months is unusual and speaks volumes about her competence, discipline, and the high regard in which she is held by her superiors. Her journey is particularly inspiring because she combines her military service with a career as a medical doctor, two demanding professions requiring immense discipline, expertise, and dedication to excel in simultaneously. Her achievement has drawn widespread commendation from Nigerians, especially within the Igbo community, with many celebrating her as an example of professional excellence on the international stage and a role model for young Nigerian women aspiring to careers in medicine or the military.

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Uzoma’s accomplishment adds to a growing and impressive list of Nigerians excelling in the United States Armed Forces. In January 2026, Amanda Azubuike made history as the first Nigerian woman to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, Azubuike began her military journey at age 17 in the Air Force Junior ROTC program and has served for over three decades in senior leadership roles, including at the Pentagon. Her historic promotion was celebrated across Nigeria and the diaspora as a testament to the resilience and excellence of Nigerian professionals on the global stage. In another remarkable achievement, June 2026 saw Colonel T.G. Ajato, a Nigerian Army officer, make history at the United States Army War College by becoming the first International Fellow to win the prestigious Frank Kelly Writing Award for outstanding research. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies and developed model answers approved by the college for future examinations, further cementing Nigeria’s reputation as a nation that produces world-class military and academic talent.

In another noteworthy development from earlier this year, Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu announced his enlistment into the United States Army, completing his Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Momodu, who had a successful acting career with credits including Coming to Nigeria and appearances in Tinsel and The Johnsons, dedicated his enlistment to his late father, a former officer in the Nigeria Police Force. He shared his emotional journey on Instagram, writing, “On April 12, 2026, I honoured my late father in a historic way. Twenty years after his passing, I picked up the baton where he left off in the Nigeria Police Force and carried it forward by getting enlisted into the United States Army.” The actor reflected on the intense demands of military training, describing it as a journey “forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun.” He passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination on his first attempt and now serves as Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment. His transition from the entertainment industry to military service has inspired many young Nigerians to consider careers in the armed forces, showing that it is never too late to pursue a dream.

These achievements collectively tell a powerful story of Nigerian excellence, determination, and service on the global stage. From Captain Chi Uzoma combining medicine with military service, to Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike breaking glass ceilings, to Colonel T.G. Ajato excelling in academic military research, and Specialist Joseph Momodu honoring his father’s legacy, these Nigerians are not just making personal successes—they are uplifting the image of Nigeria and inspiring the next generation. Their journeys demonstrate that with hard work, resilience, and faith, Nigerians can succeed anywhere in the world. As more Nigerians continue to distinguish themselves in various fields globally, their stories serve as powerful reminders that national pride transcends geographical boundaries. Congratulations to Captain Chi Uzoma and all Nigerians making the nation proud through their service and excellence on the global stage.

[ICYMI] How Nigerian Medical Doctor Was Promoted to Captain in US Army

ICPC Uncovers Official Who Enrolled 14 Family Members on Govt Payroll, Another Collected 13 Salaries

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered massive payroll fraud across federal ministries, departments and agencies, revealing that one official fraudulently enrolled 14 members of his family on the public payroll, while another individual collected 13 separate salaries and a private hotel was also registered as a government employee receiving monthly payments.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed these findings on Thursday in Abuja during his keynote address at the 2026 Economic Confidential Lecture and National Spokespersons Award, organised by Image Merchants Promotions Limited. He revealed that investigators had uncovered multiple cases of individuals manipulating government payroll systems to divert public funds through fictitious salary payments. “We discovered that one person enrolled 14 members of his family. He lived in a religious hotel, a hotel at the public office, receiving salaries,” Aliyu said. In another shocking case, a different suspect allegedly placed his wife, daughter, son and other relatives on the payroll and was collecting 13 separate salaries. The commission also found that a hotel had been registered as a public officer and was receiving salaries from government funds.

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The ICPC chairman explained that fraudulent entries were carefully concealed within official records. Names and email addresses of phantom workers appeared on government payrolls, but the bank account numbers linked to those entries belonged to entirely different individuals. “When they insert their names, you will see their name in the payroll. You will see their email. But when you check the account number, you will see the name of the person. So, that is how these things have been done,” he explained. Investigators also found cases where the name of a supposed female employee was linked to a bank account belonging to a man, highlighting the extent of manipulation within payroll systems.

The investigation, which lasted an entire year, identified 908 suspected ghost workers across at least 50 federal ministries, departments and agencies. The commission published the names of these individuals in national newspapers and obtained interim court orders, challenging them to prove they were genuine government employees. According to Aliyu, after one year, not a single person appeared to challenge the action, and the court granted final forfeiture, with the commission recovering over N100 million from their accounts. The Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of suspected ghost workers among all institutions investigated, with 570 names identified during the verification exercise. The National Water Resources Authority followed with 80, while the Federal Ministry of Works had 56 suspected ghost workers. Other affected agencies include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24), Ministry of Defence (19), Ministry of Power (17), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (17), Ministry of Health (15), and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (12). The commission noted that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior were also implicated, though figures were withheld as investigations are ongoing.

The commission recovered about N942 million linked to fraudulent salary payments made to fictitious workers. In a related legal action, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted final forfeiture of N941,994,079.86 seized during investigation into the IPPIS payroll scam. The funds were traced to accounts linked to the scheme following a systems study conducted by the commission in 2023. Aliyu warned that the consequences of payroll fraud extend far beyond salary theft. “Once there is a ghost worker, there is ghost pension, there is ghost mortgage, there is ghost housing fund, there is ghost health insurance,” he said. The ICPC recovered more than N24 billion in ghost pension funds in 2024 alone. He explained that ghost workers and fraudulent pension claims consume resources that could otherwise be used to employ genuine workers, pay legitimate retirees and provide essential public services.

The ICPC chairman said the commission had adopted a preventive approach, focusing on stopping corruption before it occurs rather than relying solely on criminal prosecution. “It is better for us to do that than to engage in filing criminal charges. How many charges can we file?” he asked. He also called for greater use of data and technology in combating corruption, stressing that effective communication and access to reliable information were essential to building public confidence in anti-corruption efforts. Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Yusha’u Shuaib, said the lecture was organised to promote stronger governance through transparency, accountability and professional communication. “We are honoured to host yet another gathering of leaders, professionals, scholars, and communication experts committed to strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and advancing excellence in public communication,” Shuaib said.

ICPC Uncovers Official Who Enrolled 14 Family Members on Govt Payroll, Another Collected 13 Salaries