Nigeria’s navy is pursuing a merchant ship hijacked by separatists who are threatening to blow it up, with its foreign crew, unless the government gives into its demands.
The hijackers’ demands include the release of separatist Kanu Namdi who is facing treason charges, for promoting the cause of an independent Biafra.
The unnamed ship was seized last week off the Bakassi Peninsula, in the Gulf of Guinea, close to the eastern border with Cameroon.
Ships have routinely been seized in the Gulf by thieves who hold the crew for ransom or the steal the oil they’re carrying.
This time looks to be different. The hijackers have warned they’ll destroy the ship unless the government frees Namdi.
There have been protests in South East Nigeria recently to demand his release. This hijacking however certainly raises the stakes.
The hijackers reportedly have given the government 31 days to meet their demands.
