Just In: Pirates Hijack Passenger Boat in Rivers State, Nine Rescued

Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travellers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State on Thursday. In a swift response, the Bonny Local Government Council, in collaboration with security agencies, has managed to rescue nine of the passengers, while efforts to locate and rescue the remaining 11 continue.

The Bonny Local Government Chairman, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Friday, noting that the hijacking occurred near Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area. According to the chairman, the boat had violated safety regulations by passing through Kilometer 10, a restricted area for commercial boat drivers.

“Preliminary findings reveal that the boat driver disobeyed the rules by taking the prohibited route,” the statement said. “The boat, en route to Bonny, was intercepted by pirates in the afternoon. Security operatives have already rescued nine passengers, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.”

The statement also called for public calm, assuring that the Bonny Local Government Council is working closely with neighbouring local governments and security forces to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN) Rivers State chapter expressed concern over the persistent pirate attacks in the region. MUWN Chairman for the Rivers Commercial District, Isreal Wariboko, condemned the increasing frequency of pirate operations despite the state government’s efforts to curb such activities.

Wariboko explained that pirates are known to shift their operations to areas with less security, using different tactics each time. He called for stronger security measures along the waterways to combat the growing threat. The latest attack has been reported to the police, with authorities continuing their investigation.

As the search for the remaining passengers continues, residents and the maritime community are calling for more effective strategies to address the security challenges on the state’s waterways.