3 Chinese Crew Rescued in Nigeria Weeks After Pirate Attack on Ghanaian Fishing Vessel
Three Chinese crew members abducted by pirates during a violent attack on a Ghanaian fishing vessel in March have been rescued in Nigeria, according to the Ghana Police Service.
The attack occurred on March 27, 2025, when armed pirates stormed the MV Menhin-1 off Yenyano Waters near Tema at about 7:30 p.m., using wooden canoes powered by outboard motors. The assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles, destroyed the vessel’s communication system before taking the three Chinese nationals hostage.
At a press briefing on Tuesday at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra, CID Director-General COP Lydia Yaako Donkor said a complaint was received by the Marine Police Command the next morning. A multi-agency operation was then launched involving the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy, and other national security bodies.
Investigations revealed that the victims were blindfolded and transported by speedboat for 24 hours to Nigeria’s Delta region. From there, they were moved via motorcycles and on foot to a remote camp where they were held at gunpoint until their unexpected release on April 25.
After regaining freedom, the crew members reached a nearby village and were assisted by locals to contact the Chinese Embassy in Lagos. The embassy confirmed their rescue on April 26 and facilitated their return to Ghana the next day. A debriefing session was held in Accra on April 28, where the victims, though unharmed, showed signs of trauma and requested medical care.
Ghana’s Inspector General of Police met with the rescued crew and expressed support and sympathy over their ordeal.
So far, eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction. Among those arraigned before the Tema District Court are Sueva Victor, Kojo Akweli, Eugene Chibuke, Mwonam, and Chinese nationals Zhao Lang Hao and Zhao Hua.
Authorities commended the swift coordination among agencies across borders that led to the successful rescue operation.
