Four Indonesian nationals kidnapped off Gabon waters freed

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), through its Defence Attaché (Athan) of the Republic of Indonesia in Abuja, in coordination with local authorities, freed four Indonesian nationals who had been abducted by pirates in Gabonese waters. The four Indonesians were part of nine people released from the vessel, namely Abdul Ajis, Aditia Permana, Mohamad Fardan Mubarok, and Eka Trenggana, according to a statement from Puspen TNI, cited by detikcom on Friday, 6 March 2026. The four freed nationals have now arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, and are undergoing medical screening at a reception facility in Lagos. The release of the crew was achieved through negotiations with the pirates, which were lengthy and concluded in an agreement that bore fruit on 3 March 2026, Puspen TNI said. The success of the operation was the result of effective coordination and communication among Athan RI in Abuja, the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, the Chinese Embassy in Gabon, IB Fish, Athan China in Abuja, and the head of the Chinese Community in Lagos.