The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, Rivers State, has rescued 20 passengers, including women and children, from pirates on the Port Harcourt-Bonny sea route.
Commander of the Base, Maksum Mohammed, revealed that the navy also uncovered a new strategy used by pirates to abduct travellers, involving collusion with boat operators to fake engine problems and launch attacks.
Mohammed expressed concern over the reckless endangerment of passenger safety and called for urgent action from coastal state governments and local authorities to deploy ferries on the waterways as a safer and more sustainable means of transportation.
The rescue comes amid a series of pirate attacks and abductions on the waterway, including the recent release of 10 passengers who were held captive for four days.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has protested the frequent attacks and demanded government intervention to ensure security for water travellers.
The Nigerian Navy’s swift response and rescue efforts have prevented a potentially fatal incident, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to combat piracy in the region.
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