The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy gunboats to urgently rescue 18 passengers abducted by sea pirates along the Bile and Bonny waterways in Rivers State.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep Hart Cyril Godwin representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency of Rivers State.
Rising on a motion of urgent public importance, the lawmaker expressed concern over the wave of insecurity in Nigeria’s maritime routes, particularly in riverine communities heavily dependent on waterways for transportation and trade.
According to the motion, the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, when boats en route to Bille and Bonny Kingdoms, with 18 passengers on board, including a pregnant woman and children along with goods worth millions of naira, were hijacked by sea pirates.
Rep Godwin described the situation as “a grave threat” to the economic lifeline and safety of the affected riverine communities.
The lawmaker noted that a similar incident had occurred weeks earlier, on March 26, during which six other passengers were abducted and one killed after ransom was paid.
He warned that repeated attacks were crippling local economies and eroding public confidence in the nation’s maritime security operations.
“This is not just about abductions; it’s a shutdown of life and livelihoods in these communities,” he added.
The House resolved to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped victims.
The House further urged the Inspector-General of Police to deploy newly donated gunboats for the rescue mission and ensure the presence of stationed houseboats as security outposts in vulnerable areas.
The House urged the joint security outfit of the Nigerian Army Operation Delta Safe to up its game in addressing maritime security challenges in the Niger Delta region.
The House mandated its committees on Navy and Police Affairs to monitor implementation and ensure compliance within four weeks.
