Suspected pirates have hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travellers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State, officials say.
The Bonny Local Government Council confirmed that nine of the passengers have been rescued, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 11.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, said the rescue was carried out in collaboration with security agencies. According to a statement from her media aide, Boma Waribor, the boat driver had violated safety regulations by navigating through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial boats.
“Security reports indicate that the boat was intercepted by sea pirates near Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area on Thursday afternoon,” the statement read. “Nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of security operatives, who are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining passengers.”
Authorities have urged the public and families of the victims to remain calm as search efforts continue.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN), Rivers State chapter, has raised concerns over the increasing number of pirate attacks in the region, despite efforts by the state government to curb the trend.
Chairman of the union’s Rivers Commercial District, Isreal Wariboko, said the attackers use different strategies, taking advantage of the mangroves to evade security forces.
“They monitor security movements and strike when they see an opportunity,” Wariboko explained. “Sometimes, security operatives are stationed in one area, and the pirates attack in another. As long as they remain in the mangroves, these attacks will continue.”
He called for increased security presence along the waterways, adding that the latest attack has been reported to the police.
“You will recall that after our protest and the donation of gunboats by the Governor, we had a period of relative safety,” he said. “But now, the pirates have changed tactics. We have sent a search party twice today to investigate what really happened.”
The marine police have been notified and are reportedly handling the situation. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers.