The Cross River State Government has dismissed reports alleging that more than 15 passengers were abducted by gunmen along the Oron–Calabar waterway, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In an official rebuttal issued by the Office of the Special Adviser on Marine Services, Capt. Otu Ita Otu, the government said the incident reported by First Media Naija on April 20, 2026, did not occur on the designated and regulated Calabar–Oron marine corridor.

According to the statement signed by Effiwatt Ededem of the Department of Marine Services, preliminary findings revealed that although the boat in question departed from Calabar en route to Oron, it failed to ply the approved government-sanctioned route.

The government noted that the boat operator allegedly diverted through an unapproved shortcut not recognized as part of the official waterway, thereby falling outside the state’s monitored marine network.

It further disclosed that on the day the alleged incident occurred, April 17, 2026, the Special Adviser on Marine Services, alongside the State Security Adviser, conducted a routine patrol on the official Calabar–Oron waterway without recording any security breach.

The statement stressed that all boats operating along the approved route are required to pass through between three and five marine security checkpoints strategically positioned to guarantee the safety of passengers and crew.

Reiterating existing safety protocols, the government reminded operators and commuters of the standing restriction on sea travel, which prohibits boat movement beyond 6:00 p.m. daily along the waterway.

It warned that violation of the stipulated operating hours and the use of unauthorized routes expose passengers to avoidable risks and undermine ongoing efforts to secure the state’s waterways.

The government therefore urged all maritime stakeholders, including boat operators and captains, to strictly comply with approved navigation routes and safety regulations.

It also cautioned against patronizing unregulated transport services, noting that such actions could compromise the state’s maritime security framework.

While reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the government said it would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies to maintain order and safety across marine transport corridors.

The statement concluded by assuring the public that the Calabar–Oron waterway remains secure for lawful operations under the supervision of the Cross River State Government.