Headlines
Pirates attack Chinese fishing vessel in Gulf of Guinea

—one crew member killed, six kidnapped
Another pirate attack was recorded in the Gulf of Guinea at the close of year 2021.
The attack was against a Chinese fishing vessel that was operating offshore Equatorial Guinea Mbini Area. The incident took place within territorial waters, while it was understood that the vessel was approached by a speedboat, reportedly with a black hull containing an unknown number of perpetrators. The perpetrators are also believed to have been armed and one crew member was understood to have been killed in the attack. Furthermore, the report had it that six personnel were kidnapped from the vessel, including the captain.
The crew members are understood to be Ghanaian and Malian nationals.
The attack was the 11th kidnapping incident in the Gulf of Guinea in 2021 which brought the total number of crews kidnapped in offshore incidents to 82. It was also the third attack offshore Equatorial Guinea on December 21. Before the recent attacks, waters off Equatorial Guinea have historically witnessed significantly less reporting than those of neighbouring waters.
Pirates have historically shown a capacity to avoid the maritime security footprint within the Gulf of Guinea and are likely to seek to continue to exploit weaknesses where these are found. Pirates have also shown an intent to reinforce success in areas where operations have been successful and as such the risk to vessels operating within both Equatorial Guinean waters and those offshore is increased,
said Dryad Global. This incident came after a Danish naval patrol killed four pirates in an exchange of fire in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Nigeria, in November. The incident occurred when the frigate Esbern Snare, which has been patrolling the area since early November, attempted to board the pirate boat. “No Danish soldiers were injured, but five pirates were shot,” the military had then said. “Four of the pirates died. One was injured,” it added. The Danish forces fired warning shots, and the pirates immediately fired back. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had told a news conference that the soldiers’ intervention had “probably prevented concrete pirate attacks against vessels in the region.” |
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Headlines
Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
Customs
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