Gulf of Guinea Focus: Week 12
- Agwe Global
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers. In a statement, the navy said the operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in the Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo axis. The navy explained that the naval patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats laden with suspected illegally refined diesel. According to the statement, the operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activity, while some armed accomplices fled on sighting the patrol team. “The arrested suspects and recovered products are currently in custody and will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” it said. The navy noted that the feat aligned with the directive of the chief of the naval staff, Idi Abbas, mandating intensified operations against crude oil theft and maritime crimes.
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The Nigerian Navy has rescued seven survivors following a boat mishap in the waterways of Bayelsa State, in a swift search and rescue operation aimed at saving lives after a collision. The incident occurred at the Ogboinbiri waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, involving a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden market boat. The rescue effort was launched immediately after a distress call alerted naval authorities to the accident. In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Soroh were promptly deployed to the scene. Their rapid response led to the successful rescue of seven victims, who were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. He added that search efforts are ongoing to locate other missing persons from the incident.
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/03/24/boat-mishap-nigerian-navy-rescues-seven-survivors-in-bayelsa/
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has strengthened its maritime security capabilities following the successful completion of a specialized training programme under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Global Maritime Crime Programme. Babawale Afolabi, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in a statement said the Basic Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training, held at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre in Navytown, Lagos, equipped selected personnel with essential skills in maritime interdiction, boarding operations, tactical coordination, evidence handling, and adherence to international law and human rights standards. During a formal ceremony, participants presented their certificates to the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who praised their dedication and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to continuous capacity development as a key driver of effective service delivery.
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Nigeria and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation across security, energy, trade, and digital innovation, as top officials from both sides met under the theme: “Partnership for Sustainable Development and Security.” Speaking at the 8th Nigeria- EU Ministerial Dialogue, in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the gathering as a pivotal moment for global peace, economic stability, and international collaboration. He emphasised that the meeting goes beyond diplomatic formalities and reflects a shared determination to deliver concrete outcomes that improve citizens’ lives. “The dialogue underscored the strong and evolving partnership between Nigeria and the EU, anchored on shared values of multilateralism, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation. “Nigeria therefore welcomes EU’s continued support for our economic diversification agenda.
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The Nigerian Navy has called for stronger collaboration with Denmark to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Naval chief Idi Abbas made the call in Abuja during a meeting with the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jen Hansen, at the Naval Headquarters, according to a statement by the navy on Tuesday. Mr Abbas said Nigeria has positioned its proposed Combined Maritime Task Force as a key multinational initiative to enhance security in the GoG. He said the initiative was part of efforts to build a coordinated multinational maritime security architecture capable of tackling evolving threats in the Gulf of Guinea. Mr Abbas noted the growing defence relations between Nigeria and Denmark, particularly in the maritime domain, stressing that the Gulf of Guinea remains critical to international shipping and global trade. According to him, the Nigerian Navy is committed to ensuring a secure maritime environment that supports economic activities and international commerce.
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The president general of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu, has accused security agencies operating in the nation’s ports of dereliction of duty following a rise in attacks on vessels while at berth. Bunu specifically blamed the Nigerian Navy and the Marine Police unit of the Nigeria Police Force for failing to adequately secure port waters and waterfronts, warning that the trend could damage Nigeria’s reputation in the global maritime community. Speaking when members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the 2026 edition of the annual Dockworkers’ Day celebration, the MWUN leader said attacks on ships at berth are unacceptable in a regulated port environment. According to him, the Marine Police are primarily responsible for the protection, safety and security of vessels once they berth, as they are mandated to patrol and secure the waterfront.
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