Headlines

How Nigeria degraded piracy in Gulf of Guinea

Bashir Jamoh, DG, NIMASA

William Ukpe

Following frequent attacks on vessels and kidnapping of seafarers, the Gulf of Guinea was in 2021 described as the world’s piracy hotspot.

In its quarterly report on maritime piracy, The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) declared that the Gulf of Guinea remains dangerous for seafarers, accounting for nearly half of all reported piracy incidents in the first quarter.

Timeline of recent attacks on seafarers by pirates

April 19, 2020: The Portuguese-flagged cargo ship Tommi Ritscher was attacked by pirates off the coast of Cotonou, Benin. The Bulgarian captain and seven other sailors were kidnapped. The captain was freed on May 25.
December 2020: Danish Shipping Company, Maersk was attacked off the West African coast by ‘criminals’ while travelling from Tema in Ghana to Kribi in Cameroon.
January 2021: Maersk, the world’s largest shipping company, called for military intervention in the piracy problem in the Gulf of Guinea, which had made the gulf the new global headquarters for piracy
January 2021:  According to the International Maritime Bureau in its 2020 Annual Piracy report, West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea recorded an unprecedented increase in piracy attacks in 2020.

The IMB reported that 135 crew members were kidnapped from their vessels in 2020, with the Gulf of Guinea accounting for over 95% kidnapped. A record of 130 crew members were kidnapped in 22 separate incidents.
January 23, 2021: The Liberia-flagged container ship V/S Mozart was attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea. There were 19 crewmembers in the vessel, 1 killed, 15 kidnapped. The ship arrived at Port-Gentil at Gabon at 11:00 TRT with 3 remaining crew members.

Also in January 2021, a Turkish ship was attacked off Nigeria’s Gulf of Guinea coast, killing an Azerbaijani citizen, and kidnapping 15 sailors. The Liberian flagged  ship was on its way to Cape Town from Lagos, attacked 160 kilometres off Sao Tome.

November 25, 2021: The Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Esbern Snare intercepted a skiff that was heading towards several merchant ships. The pirates opened fire on an RHIB carrying members of the Frogman Corps, who returned fire, killing four pirates. None of the Danes was injured, but their RHIB was hit. Four surviving pirates were detained and taken aboard HDMS Esbern Snare. The incident took place 25–30 nautical miles (46–56 km; 29–35 mi) south of the territorial boundary of Nigeria.

Declining incidents of piracy in the region

Major International shipping companies announced they were drafting a policy towards dealing with piracy and maritime risks in the world’s most dangerous ocean trade routes including the Gulf of Guinea. BIMCO, one of the world’s largest associations of shipping companies, stated that the Gulf of Guinea is the biggest piracy headache vessels face.

But according to a report released in July 2021, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea fell to its lowest since Q2 2019, in the last quarter. IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) reported the region led globally with 32% of all reported incidents and accounted for all 50 kidnapped crew and the single crew fatality recorded during the first half of 2021.

In October 2021, the International Maritime Bureau (IBM) reported that global piracy cases dropped to the lowest level since 1994. Gulf of Guinea region recorded 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the first nine months of 2021, in comparison to 46 for the same period in 2020, with the Nigerian area recording only 4 related cases for the same period.

Efforts made by the Nigerian government and stakeholders

The reduction in violent activities on Nigeria’s coast was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy’s Deep Blue Project which saw the injection of funds to buy gear needed to fight piracy and also a collaboration with the U.S and Danish Navy.

In July 2021, a Federal High Court in Lagos convicted 10 men under a new law designed to combat the rising piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. The suspects were handed 12-year prison sentences after they were captured in May 2020 during a forceful boarding of a Chinese fishing vessel off the Ivorian coastline and kidnapping the crew member.

NIMASA’s Chief, Dr Bashir Jamoh attributed the positive development to the bringing together of maritime response authorities through initiatives like Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project and Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum which will continue to strengthen knowledge sharing channels and reduce risk to seafarers in the region.

NIMASA also introduced new measures to check security threats in the Nigerian maritime industry, as ship captains operating in Nigeria are now required to submit the Security-Related Pre-Arrival Information (SRPA) forms to the agency not later than 48 hours before the ship’s arrival at any Nigerian port. All ships are  also expected to maintain 24 hours vigilance and surveillance to detect strange movements, including small boats and skiffs that may not be captured by the radar.

Also, in August, US Navy ship, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, arrived in Lagos to enable Nigeria in the fight against piracy. US Consul General, Claire Pierangelo said that the ship would be permanently assigned to Africa as a sign of the U.S government’s mission to fight piracy in the Gulf.

Bottomline
Nigeria’s efforts alongside working with its global allies greatly reduced piracy in the region as sea piracy activities at Nigeria’s Gulf of Guinea waters fell by as much as 80% in 2021, one of Nigeria’s bright spots in the fight against insecurity.

Related Topics:featured How Nigeria fought piracy

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Headlines

Rolling Gazing Terminal excites NAGAFF, says it meets standard for bonded facilities

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for its operational standards, saying the facility can improve cargo efficiency and reduce port congestion.

NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee gave the commendation Thursday during a nationwide inspection of licensed bonded terminals. NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam led the delegation.

Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling infrastructure and security systems. He said the facility reflects the standard required to strengthen trade facilitation and address logistical challenges.

“The infrastructure is available, the equipment is functional, and the operators are fully prepared for business,” he stated.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the terminal is adequately equipped and shows strong commitment to service delivery. He added that the facility can evolve into a major logistics hub due to location and expansion space.

Operational Manager Stanley Enoma said the terminal runs TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding capacity to 5,000 TEUs.

NAGAFF said the assessment will continue at other bonded terminals to identify gaps and promote efficiency.

NAGAFF has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for meeting operational standards expected of Customs bonded facilities. The commendation followed an inspection by NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee on Thursday as part of a nationwide assessment of bonded terminals.

NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling equipment, security systems and operational preparedness, saying it can improve cargo movement and reduce seaport congestion.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the facility is adequately equipped and has potential to become a major logistics hub due to location and expansion capacity. Operational Manager Stanley Enoma disclosed the terminal operates TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding to 5,000 TEUs capacity. NAGAFF said it will compile a report and continue inspections nationwide to identify operational gaps and promote trade facilitation in the maritime sector.

Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor

In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.

As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.

The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.

The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.

According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.

He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.

“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.

“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.

“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.

“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.

The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.

He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.

“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.

“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.

“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.

“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.

The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.

It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th, 2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.

The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.

Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.

The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.