Navy Rescues 20 Passengers in Rivers Pirate Attack, Uncovers New Abduction Tactics

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 20 passengers, including women and children, from a pirate attack along the Port Harcourt-Bonny sea route in Rivers State. The passengers were saved by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NNFOB) in Bonny, according to Commander Maksum Mohammed, who spoke to journalists on Monday.

Commander Mohammed revealed that the Navy had uncovered a new strategy used by pirates to abduct passengers. Intelligence reports suggested that some boat operators might be collaborating with pirates by staging engine failures in vulnerable areas. These operators would intentionally halt their boats midway through the journey, pretending to fix engine problems, creating opportunities for pirates to attack and abduct passengers.

Mohammed said, “This is a clear case of wilful endangerment of passenger safety. Why would any mariner in his right senses sail with passengers on board a boat whose engines were outright faulty and unable to sustain an hour’s journey?”

The incident involved a boat carrying 20 passengers, including infants, which had a staged engine failure in a notorious area for pirate attacks. The Navy intervened just in time, preventing what could have turned into a fatal situation.

“What if these criminals had seen and approached them and taken them captive? It’s quite unfortunate that hapless passengers could be exposed to avoidable risks for the exorbitant amounts they pay,” Mohammed added.

Commander Mohammed described the situation as suspicious, noting that the boat was seen twice in dangerous areas, simulating engine failure, which is often linked to pirate kidnappings.

Mohammed explained, “Nearly all the kidnap incidents occurred where there was an engine failure or a simulation in front of a river mouth. We encountered the same boat again simulating another engine failure in a place known for kidnapping activities.”

The Navy swiftly evacuated the passengers from the compromised boat and transferred them to safety aboard their own vessels. Mohammed urged local governments and coastal state authorities to deploy safer and more reliable ferries on waterways like the Port Harcourt-Bonny route. He stressed that this would provide a more sustainable and secure mode of transportation for travelers.

In recent weeks, there have been increasing reports of pirate attacks and abductions on the waterway. Just last week, 10 passengers were freed after spending four days in captivity following a similar attack. The growing threat has sparked protests from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. Led by Israel Pepple, Chairman of the Port Harcourt Commercial District, the union staged a demonstration at the Government House, calling for stronger security measures to protect water travelers.