Suspected sea pirates have abducted 18 passengers in separate attacks across key waterways in Rivers State, raising fresh fears over maritime security in the region.
The coordinated attacks occurred on Tuesday May 6, 2025, in Bonny, Bille, and Port Harcourt areas.
In the first incident, pirates hijacked a wooden cargo boat headed to Bonny in Bonny Local Government Area.
The vessel, carrying five persons, was diverted off course by the armed attackers.
In a second attack, 13 passengers traveling to Bille from Port Harcourt were abducted at Isaka, located in Okrika Local Government Area.
According to reports, the pirates seized the boat, which was powered by an outboard engine, along with its passengers.
Local sources revealed that the boat involved in the Bille incident had previously come under attack in March.
Earlier hijack also occurred on the same route, during which six passengers were kidnapped.
The recurrence has sparked concern among residents and boat operators about repeated targeting and lack of effective protection.
A third attack was reported off Tourist Beach in Port Harcourt.
In this case, pirates made away with a speedboat powered by an outboard engine.
Luckily, there were no passengers on board at the time of the incident.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incidents.
She assured the public that the police are working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims.
“The police are actively investigating these attacks and taking steps to rescue the victims unhurt,” she stated.
The recent wave of piracy has heightened tension among residents and waterway transport operators.
Many are now calling for improved surveillance, deployment of marine police units, and better safety measures for commercial boats navigating Rivers’ waterways.
Rivers State, with its extensive creeks and water routes, has seen repeated security challenges, especially in the coastal transport sector.
Security experts have urged the state and federal governments to increase investment in maritime safety infrastructure and ensure coordinated patrols across vulnerable points.
As at the time of filing this report, efforts to rescue the abducted passengers were ongoing.
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