Maritime
Pirates Abduct 138 Crews In Gulf Of Guinea, 2020 -Dryad
No fewer than 138 vessel crews were kidnapped by rampaging sea pirates in the Gulf of Guinea in 2020.
This is as the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has advised that vessels remain at least 200nm-250nm offshore where possible, to avoid unnecessary attacks by pirates.
Vessels were advised to operate within this area at a heightened posture maintaining the highest levels of vigilance whilst implementing full hardening/mitigation in accordance with BMP West Africa where possible.
This was contained in a global report made available by one of the leading world’s maritime security agency, Dryad Maritime.
The agency said just this December, 2020, about nine incidents of pirate attacks at the Gulf of Guinea were recorded.
The report indicates that last week’s incident was the 27th kidnapping with a total number of 138 persons kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea in 2020.
According to the report, a vessel was boarded 28nm SW Brass resulting in the kidnap of eight personnel.
The vessel was confirmed as the Cameroonian flagged M/V STEVIA (IMO8107000) in transit from Port Harcourt to Abidjan.
The Tide learnt that there has been a surge of pirate incidents in the past five weeks, resulting in an increased risk rating for the Gulf of Guinea HRA to critical.
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The Maritime Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has called for stronger intelligence sharing and collaboration with the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command to enhance security across Nigeria’s Western ports.
The called was made during the official visit by members, Maritime PCRC to Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos.
The visit was aimed at deepening the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and port stakeholders through the PCRC, while reinforcing community-based policing as a strategy for safeguarding critical national assets and port facilities.
Speaking during the visit Chairman, Maritime PCRC, Elder Udoh George, commended the Commissioner of Police Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja for her proactive leadership and professionalism in maintaining security within the port environment. He noted that intelligence-driven policing remains critical to crime prevention in the maritime sector, stressing that the Committee is ready to support the Command through timely information sharing and stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the PCRC will continue to work closely with the police in crime prevention, intelligence gathering and community mobilisation, in order to promote peace and operational efficiency at the ports.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police Agbaminoja appreciated the visit and described the PCRC as a vital bridge between the police and the port community.
She said effective policing thrives on trust, cooperation and the active participation of stakeholders.
Oluwatoyin assured the Committee of the Command’s readiness to sustain collaboration, noting that consistent engagement with port users and adjoining communities is key to maintaining security, orderliness and uninterrupted port operations.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
The Customs Command in Tincan Island, Lagos, has handed over 2,366 packs of cannabis indica, valued at over N4.7 billion, to the NDLEA.
The seizure comprised of a 40-feet container holding 55 jumbo bags of cannabis indica intercepted during routine enforcement operations at the port.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, disclosed this in a Statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson Oscar Ivara.and copied Newsmen
Speaking during the handover, Onyeka said officers acted in line with global standards on border protection and public safety.
“Today, we inform you of developments in securing our borders, aligning with the 2026 International Customs Day theme of vigilance and commitment,” he said.
Onyeka said the container was examined on Jan. 28, 2026 alongside NDLEA and DSS operatives, following intelligence-led profiling.
“A 40-feet container was found to contain 2,366 packs in 55 jumbo bags of cannabis indica,” he said.
He added that officers also discovered a Colt MK IV .45 calibre pistol with an empty magazine inside the container.
According to him, three used vehicles were deployed to conceal the prohibited items, including a Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Sienna and Toyota Matrix.
“Interestingly, we apprehended one suspect in connection with the seizure,” Onyeka said.
He warned that Customs would not tolerate drug smuggling or transnational crime threatening national security and public health.
Receiving the consignment, NDLEA Commander, Solomon Omotoso, commended Customs for strong inter-agency collaboration.
Omotoso assured that the NDLEA would intensify investigations and prosecution in line with existing laws.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island command, has handed over Three Containers of expired drugs drugs to NAFDAC.
Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island, Comptroller Frank Onyeka disclosed this during the formal handover in Lagos
According to him,”Today marks the formal handover of three 20ft containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action,”
Onyeka explained that two containers, numbered PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets.
He said detailed examination revealed that one container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired product.
The third container, MSKU413519/1, contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number.
“This consignment is illegal and dangerous for public consumption,” Onyeka warned, stressing the public health risk posed by such drugs.
Beyond seizures, Onyeka said Tincan Island Customs had improved cargo examinations, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to intercept prohibited and falsely declared goods.
“The Command proactively intercepts controlled pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, narcotics, and items threatening public safety and economic stability,”
Onyeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to public health and national security, pledging a tougher crackdown on illicit drugs across the nation.
On his achievements, he said the Command enforced the anti-smuggling drive, safeguarding public health and national security.
He explained that enforcement is strengthened while facilitating legitimate trade, contributing significantly to revenue generation, in line with Customs’ core mandate.
“These achievements result from discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration,” he added, highlighting the strategies behind successful operations.
Onyeka commended NAFDAC for its cooperation, noting that their synergy helps prevent fake, substandard, and expired drugs from reaching the public.
He assured that collaboration with NAFDAC would continue to intercept dangerous pharmaceuticals before they enter the Nigerian market.
Onyeka lauded the officers for their dedication, describing their efforts as key to the command’s credibility and operational effectiveness.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for leadership and reforms empowering customs operations nationwide.
“Our command will not relent in combating illicit trade and enforcing compliance with existing laws,” Onyeka said.
He promised continued collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.
Receiving the drugs, NAFDAC Chief Regulatory Officer, Kareem Adekunle, said the expired products would be destroyed by burning.
Adekunle commended Customs for their exemplary collaboration and pledged continued partnership to protect Nigerians’ health.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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