DSS arrests suspected sea pirates, foils planned hijack of crude oil vessel

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two suspected sea pirates in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, over an alleged plot to hijack a crude oil–laden vessel in the Gulf of Guinea and abduct its crew.

Security sources said the suspects were apprehended on Saturday at a hotel on Tenacious Street in the Edepie area of the state capital. They were identified as Geoffrey Atizara, 38, from Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and Divine Kelechi Unueze, 42, from Nekede in Owerri, Imo State.

According to the sources, intelligence reports, supported by confessional statements, revealed that the duo and other members of their gang were planning to seize a vessel, kidnap crew members and cart away its cargo. Investigations further showed that Unueze allegedly financed the operation, while Atizara was responsible for recruiting additional pirates.

The suspects reportedly admitted to belonging to a well-organised criminal network operating across the South-East and South-South regions, with activities centred on sea piracy and kidnapping.

Security officials said the arrests had disrupted what could have posed a serious threat to maritime security in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, given the level of planning and resources available to the group.

Sources also disclosed that the DSS, working closely with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, has stepped up intelligence-led operations in the region. These efforts have reportedly led to the interception of pirate speedboats and the rescue of crew members from hijacked vessels off the coasts of Bayelsa and Delta states.

The latest arrests add to recent security successes, including the rescue of abducted pastors and other victims in Kaduna and Borno states during joint operations carried out about a week ago.