NPA Records 78 Vessel Attacks, Others In Q1, 2024

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says a total of 78 incidents occurred  across the Nation’s seaports in the first six months of 2024.
The Authority listed the  incidents to include attacks on vessels, accidents, assaults, and other security breaches.
Principal Manager, NPA Onyenakeya Bartholomew in a statement  made available to newsmen said the incidents occurred between January 1,  2024 and June 30, 2024.
Bartholomew in a document titled “Operational Returns for 2nd Quarterly Meeting of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council”, provided a breakdown of the incidents by port.
He said the Lagos Port Complex recorded the highest number of incidents, with 29 cases, including three accidents, three arrests, and one assault.
The Tincan Island Port Complex reported 21 incidents, while the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal had only two incidents.
Other Ports, Lekki Port, Rivers Port, Federal Lighter Terminal, and Federal Ocean Terminal, reported fewer incidents in the period under review
Delta Ports had seven incidents, while Calabar Port reported five.
NPA listed the incidents reported to include 7 accidents, 4 arrests, 1 assault, 13 cases of damage to NPA property, 7 deaths and 2 cases of arms and ammunition.
Others are 5 fire incidents, 11 protests, 4 attacks on vessels, 3 stowaways, 5 joint raiding operations, 7 thefts, 8 visits and an instance of trespassing to NPA land or illegal entry.
The report highlights the need for continued vigilance and improvement in security measures at the country’s seaports.

By: Chinedu Wosu