PIRACY AND ATTACKS PERSIST IN NIGERIAN WATERS DESPITE CLAIMS OF ZERO INCIDENTS
Contrary to claims by the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy (NN) that Nigeria has experienced zero piracy and attack incidents since 2022, a recent report by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reveals a disturbing reality. According to the NPA data, Nigeria witnessed four attacks on vessels and a staggering 74 other incidents on its waters in the first half of 2024.
The comprehensive data, provides a detailed breakdown of incidents from January 1 to June 30, categorized by port and incident type. A total of 78 incidents were recorded across all ports, including:
- Four attacks on vessels, highlighting the ongoing threat of piracy in Nigerian waters
- Five thefts, indicating a rise in criminal activity
- Seven accidents, underscoring the need for improved safety measures
- Four arrests, demonstrating the efforts of authorities to combat crime
- One assault, emphasizing the risks faced by crew members
- 13 cases of damage to NPA property, resulting in significant financial losses
- Seven deaths, tragically highlighting the human cost of these incidents
- Two cases involving arms and ammunition, raising concerns about the proliferation of weapons
- Five fire incidents, posing a significant threat to vessels and crew
- 11 protests, indicating growing tensions among stakeholders
- Three stowaways, highlighting the challenges of securing vessels
- Seven joint raiding operations, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of authorities
- Eight visits, showcasing the ongoing monitoring of ports
- One instance of trespassing on NPA land, emphasizing the need for enhanced security
The Lagos Port Complex (LPC) recorded the highest number of incidents, with 29 cases, including:
- An attack on a vessel, highlighting the vulnerability of ships
- Three accidents, underscoring the need for improved safety protocols
- Three arrests, demonstrating the efforts of authorities to combat crime
- One assault, emphasizing the risks faced by crew members
- Two thefts, indicating a rise in criminal activity
- Eight cases of damage to NPA property, resulting in significant financial losses
- Two deaths, tragically highlighting the human cost of these incidents
- One protest, indicating growing tensions among stakeholders
- Two stowaways, highlighting the challenges of securing vessels
- Two joint raiding operations, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of authorities
- Three visits, showcasing the ongoing monitoring of ports
- One instance of trespassing on NPA land, emphasizing the need for enhanced security
Other ports, including Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC), Delta Ports, Calabar Port, Lekki Port, Rivers Port, Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT), Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), and Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT), also reported incidents ranging from attacks on vessels to thefts, accidents, and protests.
