Nigerian Navy has confirmed the rescue of seven persons following a boat collision along the Ogboinbiri waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A.A. Folorunsho, the incident involved a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden market vessel.
“Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship NNS SOROH were immediately deployed to the scene, where their timely response led to the rescue of the victims,” the Navy said.
The rescued individuals were quickly evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while search efforts remain ongoing to locate any other possible victims.
The Navy noted that the swift intervention aligns with its broader operational mandate.
“This response underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which prioritises not only maritime security but also the protection of lives within Nigeria’s maritime environment,” the statement added.
Highlighting its growing profile in emergency response, the Navy pointed to previous successful rescue missions.
“The operation further reinforces the Service’s consistent record in search and rescue missions across the nation’s waterways,” it said, referencing similar efforts in the Ibaka–Calabar Channel and Calabar waters where many passengers and crew members were saved.
Reassuring the public, the Navy reiterated its preparedness to respond to emergencies.
“The Nigerian Navy, therefore, assures the public of its readiness to continue deploying assets and personnel for timely response to maritime emergencies in line with global best practices,” the statement concluded.
The latest rescue operation once again brings to the fore the Navy’s expanding role, not only in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain but also in protecting lives across inland waterways.
