Headlines

Nigeria waters, fourth most dangerous shipping routes in the world

While of course, the global shipping industry is vital for trade and commerce, it is also susceptible to piracy, accidents, and territorial conflicts. Some of the most dangerous shipping lanes in the world pose significant risks to vessels and their crew, as well as the environment. This article will deeply explore the ten most dangerous waters in the world, detailing the hazards and dangers they present and the measures being taken to ensure the safety of vessels transiting through these areas.

1. SOMALIA

Somalia has been plagued by piracy for many years, with the waters off its coast witnessing 435 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013. The situation peaked in 2011 with 237 attacks recorded. Although attacks have decreased significantly in recent times due to Operation Atalanta, also known as the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia, the risk of being approached or attacked remains high.

SOMALI PIRATES ARE STILL A MAJOR PROBLEM

Somali pirates are often armed with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, launching attacks from skiffs that are deployed from mother vessels.

Despite the decrease in piracy incidents, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has warned against complacency, stating that the threat of Somali piracy is still evident and something to highly consider while transiting the most dangerous waters, near Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

2. INDONESIA

The Indonesian east coast experienced 288 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013. Despite patrolling efforts by the Indonesian Marine Police, piracy attacks continue to occur in the region, particularly in the waters off Tanjung Priok, Bintan Island, Karimun Island, and Belawan anchorage.

RISING PIRACY IN THE WATERS NEAR INDONESIA

Piracy in Indonesia has risen by 700% over the years, with 106 actual or attempted incidents reported in 2013. Most attacks are characterized as “local, low-level opportunistic thefts,” but some are more organized and violent, such as the hijacking of the Thai-flagged oil tanker MT Orapin 4 in 2014.

3. GULF OF ADEN

The waters off the Gulf of Aden have witnessed 226 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013, primarily carried out by Somali pirates. However, joint efforts by navies in the region and the implementation of best management practices have helped reduce the number of incidents.

MARITIME SECURITY MEASURES IN THE GULF OF ADEN

The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) established the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC) in the region, and the EUNAVFOR – Operation Atalanta fleet is actively protecting merchant vessels in the area. Despite these efforts, the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a natural chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, remains an area of concern for vessels transiting the Europe-Asia shipping route.

4. NIGERIA

The Nigerian coast and surrounding waters have experienced 116 piracy incidents between 2009 and 2013. Unlike Somali pirates, who generally demand ransoms, Nigerian hijackers often steal oil cargo and sell it on the black market.

WEST AFRICAN PIRACY NEAR NIGERIA

The frequency of attacks in West African waters has surpassed those in East Africa since 2012, with the Nigerian coast being the highest risk area.

The Gulf of Guinea has also seen an increase in piracy, further demonstrating the serious nature and expanding range and capability of Nigerian piracy operations.

5. RED SEA

The Red Sea is a key commercial shipping route between Europe and Asia, with 94 piracy incidents reported in the last five years. While hijackings and boardings generally occur further south in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea has also been a target for piracy.

COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS IN THE RED SEA

Military anti-piracy missions and preventive measures, such as the placement of armed guards on merchant’s vessels, have helped to reduce the number of attacks in the Red Sea. However, pirates still pose a threat to vessels transiting through the area.

6. STRAIT OF MALACCA

The Strait of Malacca is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, connecting the Persian Gulf oil suppliers with the Asian markets of China, Japan, and South Korea.

The strait has seen 79 piracy incidents in the past five years, with attacks decreasing due to anti-piracy operations by the navies of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

PIRATE ATTACKS IN THE STRAIGHT OF MALACCA

Pirate attacks in the Strait of Malacca often occur near islets, making vessels in the area particularly vulnerable. In 2014, the St Kitts and Nevis-flagged product tanker MT NaniWa Maru No.1 was hijacked by armed pirates, who unloaded the oil cargo and looted the ship before escaping with hostages.

7. BANGLADESH

Bangladesh has experienced 74 piracy and armed robbery incidents in the last five years, with ten incidents reported in the first half of 2014. The port of Chittagong is the most affected area, with ships preparing to anchor being affected areas particularly vulnerable to attacks.

ANTI-PIRACY EFFORTS NEAR BANGLADESH

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has made efforts to reduce piracy in the region, but corruption within law enforcement agencies and poverty-induced criminality continue to exacerbate the problem.

Regional navies have also been working together to counter piracy, participating in joint exercises focused on maritime security threats.

8. SOUTH CHINA SEA

Despite the efforts of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), the South China Sea has seen 63 piracy attacks in the last five years, especially around the Anambas, Natuna, and Mangkai islands and Merundung.

ORGANIZED CRIME IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

Pirates targeting small tankers in the South China Sea are thought to be “highly organized criminal professionals” with knowledge of how to disable a ship’s critical systems.

In response to the threat, the IMB issued a warning to all ships, particularly small tankers, to maintain strict anti-piracy measures while operating in the area.

9. INDIA

India has witnessed 45 piracy and armed robbery incidents from 2009 to 2013, with four incidents reported in the first half of 2014.

The Western Indian seaport of Kandla is the most piracy-prone area in the country, with incidents also occurring in Kochi and Visakhapatnam.

COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

India has been active in counter-piracy efforts beyond its own coastlines, with the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Arabian Sea. Indian naval ships have foiled over 40 piracy attempts since their deployment in October 2008.

10. SINGAPORE STRAIT

The Singapore Strait is a vital waterway that links the Strait of Malacca with the South China Sea. With over 38 piracy incidents in the last five years and six incidents in the first half of 2014, the strait remains a hotspot for piracy.

REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE SINGAPORE STRAIGHT

Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand have been conducting air patrols under the Eyes-in-the-Sky (EiS) initiative to protect merchant shipping in the Singapore and Malacca Straits. The United States has also joined ReCAAP to help fight piracy in the region.

In conclusion, while maritime authorities and navies have made progress in countering piracy and ensuring the safety of vessels in the most dangerous shipping lanes and oceans, continued vigilance and cooperation are essential in maintaining secure and efficient global trade.

HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MOST DANGEROUS WATERS TO TRANSIT:

WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SHIPPING ROUTE?

The most dangerous shipping route is the Drake Passage, known for its unpredictable and extreme weather events, conditions and rough waters. It is considered one of the most treacherous maritime routes in the world.

WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS STRAIT IN THE WORLD?

The most dangerous strait in the world’s name is also the Drake Passage. It lies between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, making the journey through it a challenging and perilous route for ships to navigate.

WHAT IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SEA TO CROSS?

The most dangerous sea to cross is the Irminger Sea, which is notorious for its harsh weather and rough ocean waters. It poses significant challenges and danger in rough weather for ships and sailors, making it a risky area for navigation

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.

Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.

Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.

In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.

The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.

The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.

The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .

The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.

As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.

“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.

The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.

The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.