13 travellers missing, nine rescued as sea pirates hijack passenger boat in Rivers
The hijacking of a passenger boat on the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State, Nigeria, is not just a tragic event but also a reflection of the persistent security challenges faced by the region. On February 6, 2025, 13 travellers were reported missing after a group of suspected sea pirates hijacked a boat carrying 20 passengers. While nine passengers were successfully rescued, the remaining 13 are still unaccounted for, raising concerns about their safety and the ongoing security situation in Nigeria’s waterways.
The hijacking took place near the Isaka area in Okrika Local Government Area, a region that, though not often in the media spotlight, has become notorious for criminal activities, including piracy. Sea piracy in this part of Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region, has been a long-standing issue that many authorities have struggled to address. The incident involving the passenger boat highlights the vulnerability of individuals travelling through these waterways and the difficulty in ensuring their safety in the face of such violent acts.
The Incident: Timeline of Events
The incident unfolded on the afternoon of February 6, when the passenger boat, en route to Bonny, was intercepted by sea pirates. The boat was carrying a total of 20 passengers, and according to reports, it was travelling through the Isaka area, which is part of the Okrika Local Government Area in Rivers State. This particular area, as noted by local authorities, is known to be a hotspot for piracy, and the boat’s decision to pass through this region may have contributed to its vulnerability.
The driver of the boat, in what was later deemed a violation of established maritime safety regulations, chose to pass through a restricted channel known as Kilometer 10, which is prohibited for commercial boat traffic. This critical decision may have played a key role in the boat’s interception by the pirates. Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the driver ignored the safety protocols designed to protect travellers on these dangerous waterways, potentially placing everyone on board at risk.
Upon intercepting the boat, the pirates took control of the vessel, creating panic among the passengers. The authorities were alerted to the situation shortly after the hijacking, and security agencies quickly sprang into action. The result was the rescue of nine of the 20 passengers. However, the remaining 13 passengers were left behind in what can only be described as a dire and frightening situation.
The Search and Rescue Efforts
Following the hijacking, authorities worked tirelessly to locate and rescue the remaining passengers. The local government, headed by Anengi Claude-Wilcox, immediately mobilized security forces and other emergency responders to assist in the search and recovery operations. According to Claude-Wilcox, the authorities are collaborating with neighboring local government areas (LGAs) to extend the search and ensure the safe return of the missing passengers.
The security agencies involved in the operation include the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police Force, and other local law enforcement bodies. These agencies have been known to collaborate in the past on similar cases, although the effectiveness of their operations has often been called into question due to the complex and dangerous nature of piracy in the Niger Delta. The rugged terrain, dense mangroves, and vast network of waterways in the region provide pirates with ample opportunities to evade capture, making the task of locating the missing passengers particularly challenging.
Despite these challenges, the authorities remain hopeful that the missing passengers will be found soon. The coordinated effort between the various security agencies, along with the support of the local government, has been critical in ensuring that the rescue operation continues.
Maritime Piracy in the Niger Delta
Piracy on Nigeria’s waterways is not a new phenomenon. The Niger Delta region, which is rich in oil and natural gas reserves, has long been a focal point for criminal activities, including oil theft, kidnapping for ransom, and sea piracy. The region’s numerous waterways, swamps, and creeks offer a perfect hideout for pirates, who often strike at vulnerable vessels travelling between coastal towns and islands.
Pirates operating in the Niger Delta have become increasingly brazen in recent years, targeting everything from cargo ships to smaller passenger boats. They use a variety of tactics to hijack vessels, including the use of speedboats, firearms, and even explosives. Once a boat is captured, the pirates typically demand ransom, kidnap passengers, or steal valuable goods.
The Bonny-Okrika waterway, where the latest hijacking took place, is one of the more notorious routes for piracy in Rivers State. Bonny Island, in particular, is a major oil and gas hub, and its waterways are frequently used by both commercial and passenger vessels. Pirates in this region are often linked to organized criminal groups that have been operating with relative impunity for years.
The Nigerian government has made several attempts to combat piracy in the region, including deploying additional naval forces and establishing maritime security initiatives. However, these efforts have often been undermined by inadequate resources, corruption, and the sheer scale of criminal activities in the region. As a result, piracy remains a significant threat to those who rely on the country’s waterways for transportation and trade.
The Role of Local Government and Community Leaders
The role of local government officials, such as Anengi Claude-Wilcox, in managing the situation is crucial. Local leaders play an important role in ensuring the safety and security of their communities, especially in regions where government oversight is limited. In the case of the hijacked passenger boat, Claude-Wilcox’s quick response in coordinating with security agencies and neighboring LGAs has been instrumental in mobilizing resources for the search and rescue efforts.
Furthermore, local government leaders are also responsible for educating their communities about the dangers of illegal routes and the importance of adhering to safety regulations. The incident involving the boat driver’s violation of maritime rules highlights the need for better enforcement of existing regulations, as well as greater public awareness about the risks involved in using unregulated routes. There is also a pressing need for local government authorities to work more closely with security agencies to improve surveillance and monitoring of key waterways.
In addition to the local government’s efforts, community leaders also play a role in ensuring that residents are aware of the dangers of piracy and other criminal activities. Community leaders can help build trust between law enforcement agencies and local populations, making it easier for security personnel to carry out their work and gather intelligence on criminal activities.
The Impact on Local Communities and the Economy
The hijacking incident and the ongoing threat of piracy have far-reaching consequences for local communities and the economy. For the people living in Rivers State and other parts of the Niger Delta, piracy has become a constant threat to their daily lives. Many people in these communities rely on waterways for transportation, particularly in rural areas where roads are often poorly maintained or nonexistent.
The fear of piracy has made some people reluctant to travel by boat, especially after incidents like the one that occurred on February 6. This reluctance to use the waterways has the potential to disrupt local trade, as many businesses depend on boats to transport goods between towns and islands. The rise in piracy also hampers tourism in the region, as visitors are wary of the dangers posed by criminals on the waterways.
Additionally, the economic impact of piracy extends to the broader Nigerian economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The Niger Delta is home to Nigeria’s vast oil reserves, and many oil companies rely on the region’s waterways to transport equipment and personnel. Piracy in the area poses a direct threat to the country’s oil exports, and many international shipping companies have reported incidents of piracy affecting their operations in the region.
The Way Forward: Addressing the Root Causes of Piracy
To effectively combat piracy and ensure the safety of passengers on Nigeria’s waterways, it is essential to address the root causes of the problem. Piracy in the Niger Delta is not just a matter of law enforcement but is deeply rooted in the region’s socio-economic conditions.
One of the key factors contributing to piracy is the lack of economic opportunities in the Niger Delta. Unemployment, poverty, and a lack of access to education and healthcare have left many young people with few alternatives to criminal activity. Pirates often recruit members from impoverished communities, offering them financial rewards in exchange for participating in piracy.
To address this issue, the Nigerian government must invest in long-term solutions to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Niger Delta. This includes creating job opportunities, providing education, and ensuring access to basic services for local communities. Additionally, the government must work to strengthen the rule of law and provide law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to combat piracy effectively.
Another key area for improvement is the enforcement of maritime safety regulations. Stricter penalties for violating safety rules, along with better monitoring and surveillance of key waterways, would help reduce the number of incidents like the hijacking of the passenger boat. Local authorities and law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure that criminals are apprehended and prosecuted, while also educating boat operators and passengers about the risks of piracy and the importance of following established safety guidelines.
Conclusion
The hijacking of a passenger boat on the Bonny-Okrika waterways is a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by piracy in the Niger Delta. While the prompt response of security agencies has led to the rescue of nine passengers, the search for the remaining 13 continues, and their fate remains uncertain. The incident highlights the vulnerability of individuals who rely on Nigeria’s waterways for transportation, as well as the broader issues of security, economic development, and governance in the region.
Efforts to combat piracy must go beyond security measures and address the underlying causes of criminal activity in the Niger Delta. This includes creating sustainable economic opportunities, improving education and healthcare, and ensuring the effective enforcement of maritime safety regulations. By working together, local governments, security agencies, and communities can help make the waterways safer and prevent future incidents like the hijacking of the passenger boat. Until then, the people of Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta will continue to live in fear of piracy and its devastating effects on their lives.
13 travellers missing, nine rescued as sea pirates hijack passenger boat in Rivers
Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travellers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, February 6, 2025 around the precincts of Isaka in Okirika Local Government Area of the state.
The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Council, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, who confirmed the incident in a statement by his media aide, Boma Waribor, on Friday said nine of the passengers were rescued in collaboration with security agencies while a frantic search is on to rescue the others.
Claude-Wilcox said the driver of the passenger boat went contrary to the rules to pass through kilometre 10, which is a prohibited channel for commercial boat drivers.
“Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, indicates that a passenger boat comprising 20 persons enroute Bonny was intercepted this afternoon by Sea Pirates around the precincts of Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“However, it should be noted that nine persons have been found and returned to Port Harcourt through the timely intervention of Government Security operatives who are currently up and about and have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining 12 passengers.
“It should be noted that preliminary findings reveal that the Boat Driver disobeyed the rules and passed through Kilometer 10, a prohibited channel for commercial Boat Drivers.”
“The relatives of the victims and the public are urged to be calm as the Bonny Local Government Council is seriously collaborating with neighbouring LGAs and the security agencies to arrest the situation.”
Source: LIB
