Gunmen suspected to be pirates on Monday kidnapped 10 passengers along the Bonny waterway in Rivers State. The boat was said to be travelling from Bonny to Port Harcourt around 10 a.m. when it came under attack by the sea robbers.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of passengers and crew members on the waterway, which is a major transportation route in the region.

The District Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Rivers State District, Israel Waribo Pepple, who confirmed the development, said 10 people were involved.

Meantime, the Rivers State Police Command said they are aware of the report on the kidnap of 10 passengers. Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintended of Police, said the command has tasked its Officer in Charge of Marine Operations, and other top security officer to investigate the situation. She further said the police are working hard to ensure that the kidnap victims are released unhurt and, as well ensure arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

HOWEVER, the Federal Government on Monday, expressed concern about the security situation in the country just as it said it is taking measures to handle the development.

This is as it called for regional and collective efforts to address the insecurity in West Africa’s Sahel region, observing that the security situation in the Sahel region has significant implications for Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Speaking on Monday during an audience with the leadership of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the importance of collaborative action and called for wider support for NAN’s upcoming lecture on Sahel security.

He stated: “The international lecture NAN is organising is very timely, especially on the issue of insecurity in the Sahel. The security situation in the nation is something that the President is very much interested in and is not taking it lightly.”

The Vice President expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the conference, saying, “I believe that with the calibre of people that will grace the lecture, you will come up with a lot of perspectives on how to address the insecurity in the Sahel in a holistic way.”

Senator Shettima also commended NAN for its crucial role in Nigeria’s media landscape. “Your organization plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s media landscape, helping to bridge the information gap and shape public discussion on national issues,” he said.

Earlier, NAN Managing Director, Ali Mohammed Ali, disclosed the theme of the conference, “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges- Genesis, Impacts and Options.”