The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, has rescued 11 passengers from a sinking outboard engine-powered speedboat along the Bonny River in Rivers State.
According to a statement from the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Sirajo Almustapha, the incident occurred on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at about 1:00 p.m. near the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne.
Almustapha said the rescue team, which was on routine escort duty, spotted the distressed passenger boat that had developed an engine malfunction, causing severe water ingress. “The passenger boat, which departed Nembe Waterside Jetty, Port Harcourt, at 12:50 p.m. en route Coal Beach Jetty in Bonny Island, had 21 passengers on board when the engine failed,” he explained.
The FOB rescue team swiftly intervened, evacuating 11 passengers—six males and five females—to safety to reduce the boat’s weight while repairs were carried out. The passengers were later debriefed at FOB Bonny and handed over to the Marine Police through ASP Friday Nyeche for onward reunion with their families at about 3:40 p.m.
Almustapha added that the boat’s engine was repaired at 3:58 p.m., allowing the driver and remaining passengers to continue their journey safely to Bonny Island.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of waterways, stressing that the operation aligns with the objectives of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), which include routine patrols, anti-crude oil theft, anti-illegal bunkering, and search and rescue operations.
“These patrols are aimed at protecting critical national infrastructure and maintaining secure maritime routes within our operational area,” Almustapha said.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment and redeployment of 65 Rear Admirals across strategic commands, Defence Headquarters, and tri-service institutions.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in Abuja, said the large-scale postings are designed to strengthen operational efficiency and enhance the Navy’s maritime security posture.
Among the key appointments, Rear Adm. Suleiman Abdullahi was named Chief of Logistics at Naval Headquarters; Rear Adm. Kasim Bushi was appointed Executive Director of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria; Rear Adm. Suleiman Dahun became Director of Defence Cooperation at DHQ; and Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed was named Commandant of the National Defence College.
Others include Rear Adm. Musa Katagum as Chief of Operations, Rear Adm. Fredrick Damtong as Chief of Naval Engineering, and Rear Adm. Abdul-Rasheed Haruna as Chief of Training—all at Naval Headquarters.
Adams-Aliu noted that the new postings underscore the CNS’s resolve to reposition the Navy for improved performance, stronger synergy among commands, and more effective maritime security operations.
