Suspected pirates hijacked a passenger boat carrying 20 travelers along the Bonny-Okrika waterways in Rivers State on Thursday. In response, the Bonny Local Government Council announced the rescue of nine passengers while security operatives intensify efforts to locate the remaining 11.

Bonny Local Government Chairman, Anengi Claude-Wilcox, confirmed the development in a statement issued by her media aide, Boma Waribor, on Friday. She revealed that the boat driver had violated safety protocols by navigating through Kilometer 10, a prohibited route for commercial vessels.

According to the statement, "Security briefing at the disposal of the Executive Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox, indicates that a passenger boat carrying 20 persons en route to Bonny was intercepted by sea pirates near Isaka in Okrika Local Government Area.

"However, nine passengers have been found and safely returned to Port Harcourt, thanks to the timely intervention of government security operatives who are actively working to rescue the remaining 11 individuals.

"Preliminary findings indicate that the boat driver disobeyed navigational guidelines by passing through Kilometer 10, a restricted channel for commercial boats. Relatives of the victims and the public are urged to remain calm as the Bonny Local Government Council collaborates with neighboring LGAs and security agencies to resolve the situation."

Maritime Union Calls for Increased Security Presence

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN) has expressed concern over the persistent pirate attacks in the region.

The Chairman of the Rivers Commercial District of MUWN, Isreal Wariboko, lamented that despite efforts by the state government to curb maritime insecurity, criminal elements continue to find new ways to evade law enforcement.

"These criminals adapt to security measures. When they notice security presence in one area, they relocate and attack another. They operate from the mangrove, closely monitoring security patrols and individual movements. They strike when they believe an area is vulnerable," Wariboko explained.

He further stressed the need for a heightened security presence along the waterways, noting that recent pirate attacks have been reported to law enforcement.

"You will recall that after our protest and the governor's donation of gunboats, we recorded fewer attacks on our sea routes. However, these criminals have now devised new strategies. We are investigating whether the hijacked boat followed the designated route or took an unauthorized path.

"The marine police are aware of the situation, and we trust they are handling it. As a union, we have also dispatched a search party twice today to aid in the rescue efforts," Wariboko added.

Authorities continue their search operations, urging travelers to adhere to designated routes and security guidelines while using the waterways.