Indonesian Armed Forces Join Efforts to Free Four Indonesian Nationals Kidnapped in Gabon Waters, Africa

Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) helped in the release of four Indonesian crew members who had been kidnapped in waters near Gabon, Central Africa. The TNI stated that through the Indonesian Defence Attaché in Abuja they assisted in the operation led by local authorities. The four Indonesian victims were kidnapped by pirates in Gabon on 11 January 2026. The release occurred on Thursday, 5 March, at 22:05 local time. After the release, the freed crew were transported to Lagos, Nigeria, for evacuation, on Friday, 6 March. The release came after negotiations with the pirates that lasted for some time, culminating in an agreement on 3 March 2026. The four Indonesian victims named were Abdul Ajis, Aditia Permana, Mohamad Fardan Mubarok, and Eka Trenggana. In addition to these four, there were five other kidnap victims who were foreign nationals. The four Indonesians would be temporarily placed in a shelter facility in Lagos for health checks. The spokesman said the successful release was the result of effective coordination and communications among the Indonesian Defence Attaché in Abuja, the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja, the Chinese Embassy in Gabon, the IB Fish company, the Chinese Defence Attaché in Abuja, and the Chinese community leader in Lagos.