Nigerian DSS Foils Pirate Plot to Hijack Crude Oil Vessel in Bayelsa

The DSS, in a joint operation with security agencies, arrested two suspects, Geoffrey Atizara and Divine Kelechi Unuez, for allegedly planning to hijack a crude oil-laden vessel in the Gulf of Guinea. The suspects, aged 38 and 42 respectively, were tracked down to a hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

They confessed to being part of a criminal network involved in sea piracy and kidnapping for ransom in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria. The suspects also admitted to recruiting additional pirates and acknowledged the financial operations involved in their criminal activities.

The DSS, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, has intensified intelligence-driven operations to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The recent success includes intercepting pirate speedboats, rescuing crew members from hijacked vessels, and arresting sea pirates in Bayelsa State.