Gulf of Guinea Focus: Week 42
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted at least 119,354.5 kilogrammes, equivalent to 119.35 tonnes, of illicit drugs worth over ₦72 billion at Nigerian seaports between January and September 2026, findings by Shipping Position Daily have revealed.
The staggering quantity of narcotics intercepted has raised fresh concerns over the use of the country’s ports as entry points for illicit substances.
The findings, based on official statistics and seizure records released by the NDLEA, showed that 109,306.75 kilogrammes of illicit drugs were intercepted during the first half of the year, while a further 10,047.75 kilogrammes were seized in major operations publicly reported between July and September.
Customs Command Moves to Strengthen Ties With Security Agencies
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Command, has moved to strengthen collaboration and intelligence sharing with sister security agencies to improve operational effectiveness, tackle security threats and promote lawful trade.
The initiative followed familiarisation visits by the Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala, to the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Read more: https://shippingposition.com.ng/customs-command-moves-to-strengthen-ties-with-security-agencies/
Abuja, Oct. 13, 2026 (NAN) The Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SENTINEL has recovered approximately 2.3 million litres of petroleum products between July and September.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho on Tuesday in Abuja.
Folorunsho said the navy recorded significant success in the campaign against crude oil theft, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism, maritime crime and other forms of economic sabotage within the period under review.
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has intensified its safety awareness campaign, warning boat operators against violating safety regulations and threatening to impound boats that fail to meet registration and inspection requirements.
The authority also warned against night sailing, overloading of boats and operating under the influence of alcohol, urging operators and passengers to prioritise safety, particularly during the ember months when water transportation activities often increase.
The Head of Marine Department, NIWA, Engr. Elsie Egwatu, gave the warnings during a public sensitisation and safety awareness campaign at Liverpool Jetty in Lagos on Tuesday.
Read more: NIWA intensifies safety campaign, threatens to impound unsafe boats | Maritime Today Online
At least 10 persons are feared dead after a community boat capsized during a confrontation over the blockade of an offshore crude oil vessel in Kula Kingdom, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident occurred last on Monday, October 20, amid protests by Kula youths and community leaders over an unresolved oil spill in Kula River, alleged unpaid debts to local vendors and contractors, and perceived neglect by parties linked to oil operations in the area.
Read more: https://sweetcrudereports.com/boat-mishap-10-feared-dead-as-oil-vessel-dispute-escalates-in-rivers/
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA) said it has detained four vessels over non- compliance with cabotage regulations following a targeted enforcement operation in the Lagos maritime domain.
The vessels identified as MT Holmes, MT Fujairah Energy, JS Gratitude, MT Bora, were arrested and detained during Operation Sea Guardian, an enforcement initiative aimed at strengthening compliance with maritime regulations in Nigeria waters.
NIMASA said in a statement that some of the vessels had since been released after regularising their infractions.
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