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The Digest:

Gunmen have abducted 15 passengers on a ferry travelling from Calabar, Cross River State, to Oron, Akwa Ibom State. The attack occurred on Friday, and police confirmed the abduction on Monday. The Cross River police spokesperson said coordinated search-and-rescue operations are ongoing in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom Command and the Navy. This is the latest in a series of abductions on the waterways, following incidents in September 2025 and April 2025.

Key Points:
  • Passengers have resorted to water travel due to the dilapidated Calabar-Itu Federal Highway.
  • Seven months ago, 17 passengers were abducted on the same waterways.
  • In April 2025, 20 passengers were abducted from a boat travelling from Oron to Calabar.
  • Abduction for ransom has become prevalent across Nigerian cities.
  • Security agencies are conducting search-and-rescue operations.
The recurring abductions highlight growing insecurity on Nigeria's inland waterways.

Sources: Premium Times