Four Indonesian crewmembers kidnapped by pirates in Africa freed

Four Indonesian crewmembers kidnapped by pirates off Gabon, in West Africa, have been freed after almost two months in captivity. The relief operation was the result of close coordination by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) through the Defence Attaché (Athan) RI in Abuja with relevant authorities.

According to Kabidpeninter Puspen TNI, Letkol Inf Dedi Akhiruddin, the four Indonesians were freed on Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 22:05 local time and arrived safely in Lagos, Nigeria, on Friday, 6 March 2026.

The four crewmembers are Abdul Ajis, Aditia Permana, Mohamad Fardan Mubarok, and Eka Trenggana. They are currently in Lagos for recovery, Dedi said in a written statement on Friday, 6 March.

The four were abducted by pirates off Gabon on 11 January 2026 while on duty offshore Gabon. The release negotiations were lengthy and arduous.

The release agreement was reached on 3 March 2026. In the operation, nine people were freed in total, including the four Indonesians.

Dedi said the success was due to the synergy of military diplomacy and international agencies. The TNI, via Athan RI in Abuja, coordinated closely with the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, the Chinese Embassy in Gabon, IB Fish, and the international community in Lagos.

“Freedom is the result of coordination and effective communication among parties, including support from Athan China and the Chair of the Chinese Community in Lagos,” Dedi added.

Dedi explained that the immediate focus is on ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of the victims. The four Indonesians are temporarily housed in safe facilities in Lagos, Nigeria.

“They are undergoing comprehensive medical examinations to ensure their physical condition remains stable post-abduction. The next step will be repatriation to their homeland after all administrative and medical checks are completed,” he concluded.