Overview:
The Maritime risk/security report focuses on the below.
• Operational hazards in unstable locations in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) that may compromise the security of
commercial and private vessels, as well as crew members on ashore and offshore.
• Reporting and analysis of incidences of terrorism, piracy, and other related criminal activities.
• In-country reporting on important nations in the GoG whose civil conflicts are directly affecting marine operations
OFFSHORE AND NIGER DELTA NIGERIA
Introduction
UPDATES.
Concerns over rising pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea.
Current Threat Levels:Rivers: HIGH
Delta Creeks HIGH
Bonny River: HIGH
Calabar River: HIGH
Offshore Brass: HIGH
Offshore Bonny: HIGH
Escravos/Forcados: HIGH
Deep Offshore Lagos: HIGH
Deep Offshore Bonny: HIGH
ANALYSIS
The threat level across the Nigeria EEZ is still considered high. The threat is particularly high in the Bonny
River area, as several kidnapping incidents have been reported over the past few months. Though a majority of
these incidents have targeted passenger vessels, the incidents point to an increase in insecurity that could
affect merchant vessels.
Pirate attacks have demonstrated that the pirates have an excellent understanding of the geographical limits
of security escorts and local Naval forces, and they have the ability to board vessels sailing at good speed using
light-weight aluminum ladders.
There remains a significant threat to all vessels up to 250NM from the coast of Nigeria.
Merchant vessels avoiding Nigerian waters should remain extremely vigilant as pirates have shown
themselves capable of operating at significant distances from the shore, including outside of Nigerian waters.
REPORTED INCIDENTS
2 September 2024. Kidnap for Ransom.
Bonny River, Rivers State, Nigeria. Local reports state that ten maritime workers were abducted during an attack on a passenger vessel in the Bonny River. The vessel was reportedly transiting from Bonny Island to Port Harcourt when it was intercepted by pirates near Dutch Island. The perpetrators robbed all passengers on board during the attack.
15 September 2024. Kidnap for Ransom.
Bonny River, Rivers State, Nigeria. Local reports state that the Nigerian Navy
intercepted an attack on a passenger vessel on the Port Harcourt to Bonny sea route. Few details are available on the attack, but the Navy reportedly rescued 20 passengers from being kidnapped during the incident. According to the commander of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operation Base, pirates in the Bonny River area may be working with passenger boat operators to carry out attack.
SECURITY ADVISORY
Security Outlook & Recommendation Whilst operating in High-Risk Area (HRA), it is recommended that all vessels operate at a heightened state of readiness.
This includes maintaining 24-hours counter-piracy measures in accordance with common practices i.e. BMP5. Vessels
should always maintain vigilance, raising alarm the event of an incident.
Piracy activities are still ongoing in the Gulf of Guinea as seen in the tabular summary above and with necessary research
and intelligence from open sources the level of security escort services has increased in the past 1 year. It is safe to say
that we are unable to predict the likelihood of a pirate attack while transiting through the GoG.
It is advisable for ship owners to onboard additional effective measures to avoid attacks and may employ efficient measures such as:
• Implement hardening procedures onboard vessels transiting in the Gulf of Guinea
• Vet and employ reliable private security companies to provide security escort services
• Engagement of armed personnel during waiting times
• Employ security advisers/security liaison officers to review security plans and measures from time to time
• Avoid sharing ship transit routes with unnecessary parties
• Ensure adequate measures are taken during waiting times or transshipment services
• Avoiding bottlenecks in shipping lanes
• Search for stowaways before leaving port to ensure no one is on board without authorization
