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Minister Ali Ihsaan and Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed meet with the parents of missing Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu in N. Manadhoo. — Photo: Maldives Police Service

MALÉ: Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihsaan and Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed have visited N. Manadhoo to meet with the parents of Police Sergeant Ali Nafiu, offering institutional support to his family after he went missing during a sea rescue operation earlier this month.

During the visit, Minister Ihsaan delivered a personal message of support directly to his parents on behalf of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking at the meeting, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed stated that the entire police service stands with the parents during this painful time. He praised Sergeant Nafiu’s dedication to national duty and courage in stepping forward to help people in distress, describing his action as a symbol of police service values.

The Commissioner assured his parents that the police institution remains steadfastly committed to supporting them, confirming that ongoing search efforts continue with the prayers of all officers.

Minister Ihsaan also expressed the government’s solidarity with the parents of those missing, noting that state authorities are closely monitoring and conducting all available search measures.

On August 12, both the Minister and Commissioner met with Sergeant Nafiu’s wife and child.

Sergeant Nafiu went missing on the night of August 5 after responding to an emergency distress call from the supply boat Friend 4. The vessel, which had loaded cargo at Thilafushi on August 2 and was traveling to Huvadhu Atoll, took in water and began sinking.

During a joint rescue operation by the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), seven of the eight people on board were saved. However, three individuals went missing while assisting at the scene:

• Sergeant Ali Nafiu (33): Police officer involved in the rescue operation.

• Staff Sergeant Ibrahim Ahmed (39): MNDF officer involved in the rescue operation.

• Mohamed Hamdhoon (35): Captain of the supply boat Friend 4, from Th. Madifushi.

Comprehensive search-and-rescue operations by air and sea remain ongoing.