Pirates Kidnap 5 In Merchant Vessel In Niger Delta

Suspected pirates have attacked an international merchant vessel at the Parrot Island area of Calabar in Cross River State of Nigeria kidnapping five of the crew, police source has said.

Sources said the attackers came in four speed boats amidst sporadic gunshots to subdue their victim before whisking them in their boats to an unknown destination.

Though details of the incident which occurred at about 9:10pm on Monday night, are still hazy, a police source mariners have been advised to exercise caution in the area.

The source who didn’t want his name published in a terse message was quoted to have said: “On 18th September 2017 at 2107UTC, a Merchant vessel was attacked near psn 044700N 0081800E (in vicinity of Parrot Island, Calabar, Nigeria). Mariners are advised to exercise caution in this area.”

Confirming the incident, a police officer attached to the Cross River State Police Command, said: “Information so far at our disposal is that the hoodlums who came in four speed boats, attacked the vessel and abducted five men aboard.

“I can’t give you details of those abducted but I can assure you that investigation into the incident is still ongoing as there is no much detail on the attack for now.”

Several merchant ships have been attacked by pirates in the Niger Delta.

In April, eight crew members were kidnapped by armed Niger Delta pirates from an offshore tug off the coast of Brass.

Agency Report

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