Nigerian Navy Rescues 22 Sea Rubbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Passengers Boat in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has recorded a significant operational success against
maritime criminality with the rescue of 22 passengers following the
hijacking of a wooden passenger boat along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka
waterway and the recovery of the hijacked vessel.
Eereporter.com

The successful operation was conducted by personnel of Forward
Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka) in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe
(OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police, following the attack on a passenger
boat travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata,
Ibaka, on 11 August 2026.
The boat was reportedly intercepted by armed sea robbers shortly after
passing Enwang Community, resulting in the hijacking of the vessel and
the abduction of its passengers. Upon receipt of information on the
incident, personnel of FOB Ibaka, in coordination with the collaborating
security agencies, commenced coordinated efforts to locate the victims
and recover the hijacked boat.

The sustained response resulted in the recovery of the hijacked passenger
boat and the rescue of 11 victims who had been abandoned by the
suspected criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek. A further 11 passengers who
had earlier escaped during the attack were subsequently located and
accounted for at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total
number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22.

All the rescued passengers were subsequently 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 passenger
boat. No ransom was paid for the release of the victims.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral
Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to
sustaining robust maritime security operations, strengthening inter-
agency collaboration and leveraging timely intelligence to deny criminal
elements freedom of action along the nation’s waterways.

Nigerian Navy

The successful rescue further demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s
determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and
maintain a secure maritime environment. The Service will continue to
sustain operations in collaboration with sister security agencies and other
stakeholders to counter sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of
maritime criminality.

Signed

Abiodun Folorunsho
Navy Captain
Director of Naval Information
Eereporter.com

Governor Eno Inspect Ibom Air’s third Airbus Aircraft in Canada

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has led a delegation comprising some state executives and members of the airline’s management team to a pre-delivery inspection at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Canada ahead of the formal delivery of Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft,.
Eereporter.com

A statement issued by the Group Manager, Marketing and Communication of Ibom Airlines Limited, Aniekan Essienette, in Uyo on Saturday, said the inspection marked another significant milestone in the company’s fleet modernisation and growth strategy.

According to the statement, the pre-delivery inspection is part of the acceptance process before the aircraft enters commercial service. It also marks a further step in Ibom Air’s commitment to expanding capacity, strengthening connectivity and operating one of Africa’s most modern fleets.

The delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, described the inspection as a significant milestone in Ibom Air’s fleet expansion and modernisation.

He said the company remained focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort as demand for air travel continues to grow.

“This pre-delivery inspection represents an important milestone in our fleet expansion programme and brings us one step closer to welcoming this aircraft to Nigeria. As demand for air travel continues to grow across our markets, we remain focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and passenger comfort.

“The Airbus A220 continues to be the ideal aircraft for our network strategy, and we look forward to deploying this latest addition into our network in furtherance of our growth objectives,” Uriesi said.

“This investment aligns with the ARISE Agenda and our vision of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading aviation hub, supported by world-class infrastructure and a modern airline.

“We look forward to formally receiving this aircraft in Akwa Ibom State and to the economic opportunities that enhanced connectivity will create for trade, tourism, investment, and regional development,” Eno said.

Speaking on the partnership with Ibom Air, Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, noted:

“We are honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family. The A220 is the ideal aircraft for the airline’s fleet modernisation, thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance across domestic and regional networks, and we look forward to supporting Ibom Air’s continued growth for many years to come.”

The aircraft, according to the statement, incorporates features that further support the airline’s commitment to continuous improvement in operational capability, efficiency and customer experience.

Upon completion of the delivery processes, the aircraft will be ferried to Nigeria, where it will be officially received into the Ibom Air fleet in Akwa Ibom State before commencing commercial operations.

Canada

The Airbus A220-300 is globally recognised for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, spacious cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort. Its addition further strengthens Ibom Air’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most innovative airlines, while supporting the carrier’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and service excellence.
Eereporter.com

Ibom Air Fleet Expansion: Gov Eno Meets SAMCO, Airbus Groups in Montreal, Engages on MRO Operations

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed the State Government’s determination to ensure the full operation of the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, as well as its continued support for the ongoing Ibom Air fleet expansion programme.
Eereporter.com

The Governor made the commitment during high-level meetings with SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The engagements focused on developing the technical and maintenance capabilities required to support Ibom Air’s expanding fleet and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation industry.

Governor Eno first met with Constant Van Shani, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, to explore a strategic partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility. He said the administration was seeking a practical partnership that would strengthen the State’s aviation infrastructure, enhance technical capabilities, create skilled employment and develop a sustainable local aviation workforce.

The Governor, who noted that his administration had made substantial financial investments in completing the MRO facility, recalled his team’s visit to SAMCO’s facility, where he said he was impressed by the company’s technical capabilities and operational standards. He stressed that the proposed relationship should go beyond conventional consultancy, with discussions covering maintenance and technical support for aircraft, particularly those in the Ibom Air fleet, as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.

SAMCO Aviation Services B.V. is a Netherlands-based aviation maintenance company headquartered at Maastricht-Aachen Airport, specialising in the repair and maintenance of civil aircraft and aerospace equipment. The company operates from its facility at Horsterweg 19 in Maastricht and is part of the wider SAMCO aviation maintenance operation, which has provided aircraft maintenance services for operators in Africa. SAMCO’s Maastricht facility has also been used for the maintenance and inspection of Ibom Air aircraft, including its Airbus A220-300 fleet, underscoring its role in supporting the airline’s fleet development and technical operations in Europe and Africa.

SAMCO also presented its experience working with African airlines and highlighted the importance of developing strong local technical capabilities. Governor Eno said building indigenous aviation expertise would reduce dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the MRO at Victor Attah International Airport and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom. Responding, SAMCO CEO, Constant Van Shani, welcomed the Governor’s commitment to the proposed partnership, saying: “Governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting.”

In a related development, Governor Eno met with Hadi Akoum, Vice President of Sales, Africa, Airbus, and expressed appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its efforts to facilitate the delivery of the new aircraft. The Governor assured Airbus that the State Government remained fully committed to Ibom Air, describing the airline as a strategic economic asset to Akwa Ibom.

Governor Eno said Ibom Air was central to the administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment, stressing that “it is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function.” He said the State would continue to make the necessary strategic investments to ensure the airline remains commercially viable, operationally strong and capable of supporting the State’s wider economic ambitions.

Akoum described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that Airbus currently produces about 14 aircraft monthly, with a production backlog of approximately 9,000 aircraft. He also highlighted the capabilities of the A220-300, noting its passenger capacity of about 120 and its cargo capability. The discussions further reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State Government as the airline expands its fleet and network.

SAMCO

Governor Eno said the engagements with SAMCO and Airbus formed part of a coordinated strategy to align Ibom Air’s fleet expansion with the development of the MRO facility, maintenance capacity, technical training and technology transfer. He said the new A220-300 would further strengthen the airline’s operations and expansion while supporting Akwa Ibom’s tourism, connectivity and broader economic development objectives.

Present at the meetings were the Ibom Air Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; and relevant officials of the airline.
Eereporter.com