DSS Arrests Two Suspected Sea Pirates, Thwarts Planned Hijacking in Gulf of Guinea
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two suspected sea pirates in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, foiling an alleged plan to hijack a crude oil vessel and abduct its crew in the Gulf of Guinea.
Security sources said the suspects were picked up on Saturday at a hotel located on Tenacious Street in the Edepie area of Yenagoa while allegedly perfecting arrangements for the maritime attack. They were identified as Geoffrey Atizara, 38, from Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and Divine Kelechi Unueze, 42, from Nekede in Owerri, Imo State.
Preliminary intelligence, backed by confessional statements, indicated that the suspects were part of a wider criminal syndicate planning to seize an oil-laden vessel, kidnap crew members, and divert its cargo. Investigators disclosed that Unueze allegedly provided funding for the operation, while Atizara was responsible for recruiting additional members for the pirate gang.
Sources further revealed that the suspects admitted belonging to a well-organised network operating across the South-East and South-South regions, with activities centred on sea piracy and kidnapping for ransom.
Security officials noted that the arrests have significantly disrupted what could have posed a serious threat to maritime safety in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, given the group’s level of organisation and resources.
The DSS, working alongside the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, has reportedly stepped up intelligence-led operations to tackle piracy and related crimes in the region. Recent efforts, according to sources, have led to the interception of several pirate speedboats and the rescue of crew members from hijacked vessels off the Bayelsa and Delta State coastlines.
The latest arrests add to a series of security breakthroughs recorded in recent weeks. Only last week, the DSS, in joint operations with other security agencies and forest guards, rescued abducted pastors and other victims in Kaduna and Borno States.
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