Gulf of Guinea Focus: Week 17
- Agwe Global
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with SIFAX Group in ensuring the security of Nigeria’s coastal and maritime environment. Speaking during a courtesy visit to SIFAX Group’s management, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, expressed appreciation for SIFAX Group’s unwavering support to the Navy. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration between the military and private sector stakeholders in maintaining a secure and thriving maritime industry. “We have a constitutional mandate to secure our maritime domain for both economic activities and national security, “This is not a task we can accomplish alone. Over the years, our cooperation with key maritime stakeholders like SIFAX Group has been instrumental in achieving our objectives,” he said.
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The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has arrested and handed over 27 suspected drug peddlers alongside illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This followed a raid conducted by operatives of the Navy ship at a criminal hideout in Gidan Drama, located along Malu Road, Apapa. Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Paul Nimmyel, said the raid which took place, April 5, 2025 was carried out by personnel following credible intelligence received by the Base about the presence of suspected drug peddlers in Gidan Drama. This, he said, necessitated the deployment of Operation MESA. Represented by the Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, Nimmyel said 27 suspects comprising 24 males and 3 females were arrested with hard drugs and other illicit substances during the raid.
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The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has issued a marine notice warning the public about a sunken dredger located near the Ebute-Ero Jetty at Eko Bridge, Lagos. According to an official notice released on April 8, 2025 which was made available to our correspondent noted that the submerged dredger, which sank, March 29, 2025, poses a serious threat to navigational safety and environmental stability in the area. NIWA emphasised that the hazard is particularly dangerous for river crafts operating during low tide or in poor visibility conditions. The authority has urged all fishermen and boat operators to steer clear of the affected area and exercise extreme caution. In collaboration with marine safety officials, warning signs and navigational markers are currently being installed to alert and guide waterway users. NIWA appealed for the cooperation of stakeholders to ensure public safety and protect the environment, adding that efforts are ongoing to address the situation and restore navigational safety in the vicinity.
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The Nigerian Navy arrested at least 21 suspected stowaways between January and March 2025. Maritime stakeholders have linked the rising cases to poor port security and the country’s worsening economic situation. The figure, confirmed by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, represents almost a third of the 67 stowaways intercepted in the whole of 2024 The outgone Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Oladejo, during his send-off parade on April 1, 2025, emphasized the Navy’s ongoing commitment to combating maritime crimes, particularly stowaways. Commodore Oladejo noted that the interception of 67 stowaways in 2024 demonstrated the Navy’s unwavering efforts to curb illegal migration and other maritime threats.
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A product tanker traveling more than 100 nautical miles south of the Nigerian coast was boarded earlier this week. Security services are saying the crew was well prepared and remained safe and while it was the first recent incident, the risks remain high across the Gulf of Guinea and in West Africa. The official report from Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG) says the boarding took place on April 21 and involved four individuals. They reportedly approached the vessel at high speed in a black-hulled craft and remained aboard for nearly four hours taking personal property and equipment from the vessel before fleeing. Security consultants Neptune P2P Group is highlighting that the captain and crew were well-prepared and followed mitigation recommendations quickly fleeing to the citadel where they remained during the incident. The perpetrators may have tried to enter the citadel or Martin Kelly, Head of Advisor at EOS Group, speculates it was a possible attempt at kidnapping because the pirates remained aboard for nearly four hours. The crew was unharmed according to the authorities.
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A recent piracy incident off the coast of West Africa has reignited concerns over maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Though no injuries were reported and the vessel was not damaged, the intrusion has served as a stark reminder that threats in the region persist despite overall declining trends in piracy. Armed Intruders Loot Vessel During Prolonged Boarding According to reports, a group of unidentified assailants arrived in a small, fast-moving boat and boarded the targeted vessel without brandishing weapons. Once onboard, they spent nearly four hours looting cash, personal belongings, and ship equipment. The crew took swift action by securing themselves in a safe room, commonly known as a citadel, preventing direct confrontation. After the attackers disembarked, the vessel continued its journey without further incident.
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