Sea pirates abduct 20 passengers along Calabar waterways

A wave of fear has gripped communities in Akwa Ibom State following the abduction of about 20 passengers by sea pirates along the Calabar waterways on April 18, 2025.

Among the victims is popular Nigerian comedian Odey Mathias, widely known as General Odey.

According to reports from security analyst Zagazola Makama, the attack occurred when a commercial speedboat named Devinewill was intercepted mid-journey.

The armed pirates forced all passengers off the boat and transferred them to their own vessels before disappearing to an unknown location.

A worker at the Oron beach confirmed that a naval patrol team from Calabar responded swiftly but was unable to prevent the pirates from escaping with the hostages. The hijacked boat was later found abandoned.

Security agencies have since launched a search operation to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers. The incident has sparked growing concern over the safety of maritime travel in the region.