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NIMASA’s regional collaborative efforts reduce piracy in GoG as pirates embrace alternative criminal enterprise

The Eyewitness Reporter with agency report

The regional collaborative efforts coordinated by Nigeria through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) against piracy in the West African sub-region, have reduced pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to Dryad Global’s 2022/2023 annual report, the intense anti-piracy war championed by NIMASA in the subregion has pushed pirate activities to all-time low in 2022 as the criminals have abandoned the illicit activities.

However, the report said the criminals have instead taken up oil theft and drug trafficking as alternative criminal enterprises.

“Piracy and maritime crime continued to decline in the Gulf of Guinea last year, largely in response to heightened regional and international anti-piracy efforts, but this has pushed pirates into other criminal enterprises, such as oil theft and drug trafficking”

The report noted that last year’s reduction in piracy in the waters of Nigeria and the wider Gulf of Guinea was a result of governments and organisations working together to carry out joint naval patrols, share intelligence, and coordinate responses to piracy incidents.

“Governments in the region also increased their law enforcement presence, deploying more naval vessels and patrol boats to piracy-prone areas.

“Additionally, counter-piracy legislation and prosecution were strengthened, criminalizing piracy and establishing specialized courts,” Dryad stated.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) reported 115 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2022 – compared to 132 in 2021 – with half in south-east Asian waters, particularly the Singapore Straits, where incidents continue to rise.

This is broken down into 107 vessels boarded, two hijacked, five attempted attacks and one vessel fired on.

In “many cases”, vessels were either anchored or steaming when boarded, with nearly all incidents occurring during the hours of darkness.

The continued and much-needed reduction in global piracy is attributed to an overall decrease in pirate activity in the highly risky waters of the Gulf of Guinea – down from 35 incidents in 2021 to 19 in 2022.

The Gulf of Guinea continues to report a decreasing number of incidents, with just five reported in the first quarter of 2023, down from eight last year and 16 in 2021, the IMB reported.

Nevertheless, the region remains dangerous.

In March 2023, pirates boarded a product tanker off the coast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while in April, another tanker was boarded about 300 nautical miles southwest of Abidjan, Ivory Coast – all crew were later reported safe with the oil cargo the target.

According to Dr. Okafor-Yarwood, a Lecturer in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews, the reduction in piracy “is something of a contradiction because, while we’re seeing a decrease in some maritime crimes thanks to increased collaboration and cooperation on regional, national and international levels, criminals are unfortunately moving elsewhere.

“For instance, when it comes to oil theft and drug trafficking, criminals are having more success as our repulsion efforts drive their creativity.”

Okafor-Yarwood said there is increased collaboration and cooperation between nations on the maritime security front, on regional and international levels but the biggest challenge at a regional level is a limitation of assets and not being able to coordinate their use between those who have such assets, and those who do not.

However, improved coordination in Nigeria is bearing fruit, notably through the Deep Blue Project run by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“When NIMASA and other Nigerian maritime agencies are fully integrated, I think they’ll be able to do far more effective work than they are currently.

“We’re seeing evidence of the Nigerian navy’s ability to work effectively and actually lead as an example showing that the Gulf of Guinea countries are able to secure their waters when they have the right assets, information, and support,” she said.

Less piracy but more attacks in the Indian Ocean

Although piracy has dropped on both Africa’s East and West coasts, in 2022, the northern Indian Ocean witnessed several maritime security incidents that had significant implications for the region.

These included the targeted attack on the Israeli vessel M/T Pacific Zircon by Iran in November, a series of incidents involving Houthi rebels offshore of Hodeidah in Yemen, and a number of attacks on vessels calling at southern Yemeni ports along the Gulf of Aden coast.

Alongside such notable events were a number of smaller but no less tangible maritime security concerns in the form of approaches recorded within the Bab al Mandab and the Gulf of Aden, Dryad reported.

“In November 2022, Iran’s role in targeting the M/T Pacific Zircon, an Israeli-owned vessel, stood out as a prominent maritime security event.

” The attack on the tanker, reportedly carried out by Iranian forces, involved the use of explosive-laden drones. This act of aggression resulted in substantial damage to the vessel’s hull.

” The incident drew international attention due to its connection to the broader pattern of Iran targeting Israeli-linked vessels in the region.

“Simultaneously, Houthi rebels in Yemen played a significant role in maritime incidents offshore of Hodeidah within 2022, originating with the boarding and subsequent detention of the M/V Rwabee 20nm West Ras Isa Terminal in January.

” Whilst currently involved in a protracted peace process as well as a protracted conflict with the Yemeni government and its international allies, Houthi rebels continue to employ various asymmetric tactics in their actions.

“These have included the use of naval mines, coastal defence missiles, and unmanned explosive-laden boats.

“The targets of these attacks included commercial ships and military vessels, posing threats to maritime trade, the lives of seafarers, and the environment due to potential oil spills.

“Within southern Yemen, several incidents highlighted the threat to vessels calling at ports in the region. These included two drone-driven explosions in close proximity to the M/T Nissos Kea at the port of Ash Shihr, an attack on the al-Dhabba oil terminal by Houthi rebels, and an aerial drone attack on the cargo vessel Ata M at the port of Qena.

“These incidents underscored the volatile nature of the region and the challenges in maintaining maritime safety, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures,” Dryad stated.

“The combined effect of these incidents highlights the persistent challenges faced in ensuring maritime security in the northern Indian Ocean.

“The targeted attack on the M/T Pacific Zircon by Iran illustrated the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel and the potential repercussions for states involved in perceived grievance with Iran.

” Meanwhile, Houthi rebel activities off the coast of Hodeidah highlighted the disruptive impact of regional conflicts on maritime operations, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.”

Headlines

Tantita intercepts stolen crude on escort of Delta Marine Police, arrests four suspects

Funso OLOJO

Tantita Security Services Limited, a pipeline surveillance operations company, has intercepted a tanker vessel, MT Thor, laden with suspected stolen crude oil.

The interception, which occurred on December 15th, 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, happened while the vessel was allegedly being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.

Four suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident and are currently facing investigation for possible prosecution.

The arrest was announced during the handover of the suspects at Koko Port in Delta State by Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), a firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations.

Speaking at the handover of the vessel and the suspects at Koko Port, Delta state, the Executive Director of Operations at Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.

According to a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft, Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, which was allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.

Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited.

Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.

“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.

“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko.

The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.

“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.

“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.

“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day.

As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.

Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.

Headlines

Mobereola, NIMASA DG, reflects on year 2025 with satisfaction, says 2026 holds promising opportunities for maritime industry

Funso OLOJO

The Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has expressed his satisfaction over the achievements recorded in the maritime industry in the outgoing year of 2025, while looking forward to a promising 2026 with hope.

In his Christmas message to the stakeholders in the maritime industry, Dr Mobereola noted that the 2026 ended well with the election of Nigeria into the category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after 14 years of failed attempts as well as zero occurrence of piracy attacks on Nigeria’ waters.

“The year 2025 has been a good one for our industry as once again, we have not recorded a single piracy attack in our waters in a whole calendar year, Nigeria was also able to deposit three Instruments of Accession to IMO Conventions that were signed by President Bola Tinubu ,we have been able to maintain industrial harmony in the sector all of which culminated to Nigeria’s election into the category C Council of the International Maritime Organization.

“We couldn’t have done this without our stakeholders who have contributed in various ways in the course of their operations during the year. We see you, we thank you and we felicitate with your during this yuletide season”Mobereola observed.

He however assured that the Agency will re-double efforts in ensuring that 2026 is even better for every stakeholder.

While calling on industry operators to brace up for the new year with hope of better times, Dr. Mobereola noted that “at NIMASA, we appreciate the weight of our renewed responsibility by virtue of Nigeria’s membership of the IMO Council because to whom much is given, much is definitely expected.

” You can therefore be sure of an increased momentum in our resolve to sustain maritime safety, security, environmental protection and adherence to relevant conventions and protocols with renewed vigour.”

The DG concluded by acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders, management and staff of NIMASA as well as all Nigerians and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Headlines

FG trains 75 boat operators on safe inland waterway navigation

Funso OLOJO

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has concluded a three-day Boat Navigation and Safety Training for 75 boat drivers and skippers, as part of efforts to improve safety and professionalism on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The training, which ran from Monday, 22, December, 2025 to Wednesday, 24 December, 2025 focused on equipping participants with the practical knowledge and operational competence required for the issuance of the Certificate in Safe Boating and Navigation.

Participants were drawn from major boating associations, including the Maritime Workers Union, the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATAN), and the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN).

Boat operators from Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states took part in the programme.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Timothy Clement of the NIWA Lagos Area Office described the training as a significant intervention aimed at reducing accidents on inland waterways.

He noted that many previous boat mishaps were caused by limited technical knowledge and insufficient experience among operators, adding that sustained capacity-building would help address the challenge.

Clement also highlighted ongoing safety measures being implemented by NIWA, including the removal of wrecks to improve navigation and continuous sensitisation of boat operators along major routes such as CMS, Ikorodu, Badore, Badagry and Port Novo.

According to him, NIWA has intensified awareness campaigns, moving from jetty to jetty to educate operators on safe practices, while encouraging boat owners to release more skippers and captains for structured training programmes.

“So far, so good. We thank God for the success of this three-day training for boat skippers.

“Participants came from Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, and over the past three days, they have learned a great deal,” Clement said.

“This year alone, NIWA conducted sensitisation exercises two to three times across different jetties.

“We are encouraging operators to make more of their captains and skippers available for this kind of training.

” I believe that by this time next year, we will have even more reasons to celebrate improved safety on our waterways,” he added.

Also speaking, the Lead Trainer and Consultant, Dr. Sileola Akinbowale, described the programme as a life-saving initiative designed to strengthen manpower capacity and reduce waterway accidents.

She explained that the training was structured to ensure boat operators are properly equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to operate safely and efficiently.

Akinbowale commended the Federal Government, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the former Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, for prioritising safety and capacity development in the sector.

Assessing the programme, she rated it about 90 per cent successful, noting that it combined classroom sessions with practical exercises on the water.

“We did not limit the training to classroom lectures. Participants were taken out for practical sessions at the jetty, which made the programme very effective. It was an all-inclusive training, not just theory,” she said.

She assured that the initiative would be sustained, stressing that continuous capacity enhancement remains critical to saving lives and improving professionalism on inland waterways.

Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, describing it as timely and impactful.

A Lagos-based boat operator, Wasiu Olalekan, said the programme had strengthened participants’ ability to respond to emergencies and distress situations.

“With this training, we now know how to handle distress situations on the waterways because of the knowledge given to us. On behalf of the Lagos State participants, we appreciate the Minister and NIWA management for this opportunity,” he said.

Another participant from Ondo State, Biobaku John, said the training exposed him to critical safety and emergency response skills that would enhance his professionalism.

“I gained important safety and firefighting skills during these three days. As a boat driver, I learned a lot and I am proud to have participated,” he said.

Similarly, the leader of the Ogun State delegation, Pami Ronald, said participants were trained in boat handling, safety procedures, first aid, emergency response, engine maintenance and effective waterway transport management.

“For the past three days, we learned extensively about safety, first aid, how to raise alarms, call for rescue teams and even engine maintenance. The training was very educative,” he said.

The programme forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIWA, in line with recommendations from investigation reports under the tenure of former NIWA Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to improve safety standards, professionalism and confidence among inland waterway operators nationwide.