Incident Alert – Vessel Attacked and Seven Passengers Abducted in Nigeria

Incident Details

On 07 May 2024, MariTrace reported that a passenger boat containing 20 passengers, that was transiting between Bonne and Onne, has been attacked. The perpetrators robbed each passenger and abducted seven. It is unclear of their current whereabouts.

                                                                                                                                     Fig 1. Location of Incident – Rivers State Nigeria

Comment

There have been limited incidents of this scale and nature occurring in recent months. Other than a robbery that look place of a vessel in harbour in Tican, Nigeria on 14 March 2024, the last major attack in these waters took place in June 2023.

 Assessment

It is likely that criminal acts in these waters will increase in number due to a worsening economic situation alongside widespread fuel shortages across Nigeria. Contrasting this with similar incidents in the past, it is likely that a ransom will be demanded for the 7 passengers that have been abducted.