A group of pirates reportedly hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 individuals on the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State. Following the incident, the Bonny Local Government Council coordinated a rescue operation which successfully saved nine passengers, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining passengers. The Chairman of Bonny LG, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, emphasized that the boat driver violated regulations by passing through a restricted channel known as Kilometer 10.
In a statement by his media aide, it was revealed that security forces intercepted the boat around Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area. The statement urged calm among the families of the victims as collaborative efforts with neighboring LGAs and security agencies are being made to address the situation. Meanwhile, the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, expressed concerns over the persistent pirate attacks in the region.
The chairman of MUWN, Rivers Commercial District, highlighted the challenges posed by the pirates who constantly change tactics and hide in the mangroves to evade security operations. He stressed the need for increased security presence along the waterways to combat these attacks effectively. The recent incidents have been reported to the police, and efforts are underway to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attacks and ensure the safety of maritime activities.