Somalia: Puntland warns ransom payments could fuel renewed piracy

GAROWE, Somalia, August 24, 2026 — Somalia’s Puntland state has warned against paying ransoms to pirate groups, saying such payments could provide financial incentives for further attacks on ships off its coast.

Puntland’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said ransom payments could give pirate groups the resources and motivation to continue their activities and could encourage new groups to join maritime criminal networks.

The ministry said it was closely monitoring what it described as an increase in piracy attacks along Puntland’s coastline and surrounding waters, adding that maritime security operations had been strengthened.

In a statement, Puntland authorities said preliminary information received by local agencies indicated that outside groups were attempting to revive individuals and networks previously linked to piracy by offering financial incentives.

The administration said such efforts could undermine Puntland’s security and reputation and disrupt ongoing efforts to combat maritime crime and armed groups.

Puntland security and maritime authorities were investigating the information, the ministry said, adding that action would be taken against individuals or networks found to be involved in maritime security offences.

The warning comes amid renewed concerns over piracy off Somalia’s coast after years of decline following an international naval campaign and the deployment of private security teams on commercial vessels.

Somalia’s coastline was once the centre of a major piracy crisis that generated millions of dollars in ransom payments and prompted international naval patrols in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean.

Puntland, which controls much of Somalia’s northeastern coastline, has historically been at the centre of international efforts to combat piracy and has carried out operations against pirate networks operating from coastal areas.

Puntland also called on shipowners, shipping companies, insurers and other parties whose vessels face the risk of hijacking to cooperate with Puntland authorities.

It said it remained committed to eliminating piracy and strengthening security along Puntland’s coastline.

Puntland did not provide details of the alleged recent attacks or identify the foreign groups it said were attempting to revive former piracy networks.

The Federal State's warning reflects broader concerns that renewed ransom payments could make piracy financially attractive again after years of declining attacks.

Maritime security remains a key concern for commercial shipping operating through waters around Somalia, a major route connecting the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Puntland authorities said continued cooperation between local security agencies and the international maritime sector would be essential to prevent pirate networks from regaining a foothold along Somalia’s coastline.

GAROWE ONLINE