Nigeria data drop in sea robberies, piracy assaults

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Nigeria recorded the least instances of armed robberies throughout its coastal waters and pirate assaults towards its ships globally within the first half of 2022, in line with a brand new report launched by the Worldwide Maritime Bureau (IMB).

The report says not one of the 58 incidents reported globally within the first six months of 2022 occurred in Nigeria.

The file is the least Nigeria has had since 2018 when 31 instances had been reported within the nation within the first six months of the 12 months.

The report stated that the primary half of 2022 witnessed the least instances of piracy and vessel hijack globally since 2018 with solely 58 reported instances in comparison with 68 instances inside the identical interval in 2021.

In accordance with the IMB report titled, ‘Piracy and Armed Theft towards Ship’, of the 58 incidents, 12 incidents of piracy had been reported within the Gulf of Guinea, and 10 instances had been labeled as armed theft and the remaining two had been known as ”Piracy Assaults” – with none of them occurring in Nigerian waters.

Whereas the IMB hailed the decline in reported occurrences as encouraging, it additionally bemoaned the truth that lots of the assaults on vessels had been reported late altering the numbers within the desk in subsequent experiences.

”This report gives an evaluation of 58 international maritime piracy and armed theft incidents reported to the IMB from January to 30 June 2022. Incidents are sometimes reported late, leading to adjustments to the desk and figures in subsequent experiences.

Evaluation of Nigeria assaults in final 4 years

The index reveals that Nigeria recorded 31 instances of precise and tried vessel hijacking in 2018 out of 107 instances that had been reported throughout worldwide waters within the first six months of the 12 months, and 201 instances globally on the finish of the 12 months, a rise of 87 per cent.

In 2019, Nigeria recorded 21 instances of vessel assaults throughout its waters out of the 78 instances of world maritime piracy and armed theft incidents reported to IMB from January to June, and 162 instances at a 107.6 per cent enhance worldwide at year-end.

In accordance with the index, Nigeria reported 41 vessel hijacking instances in 2020, from the 98 instances that had been reported globally in worldwide waters within the first half of the 12 months, and 195 instances that had been recorded on the finish of the 12 months, at 98.97 per cent enhance.

Out of the 68 occurrences of worldwide maritime piracy reported between January to June of 2021, Nigeria had 4 incidents of vessel assaults throughout its waters within the first half of the 12 months – and 132 instances, representing a 94.11 per cent enhance globally.

Warnings in Gulf of Guinea waters

Regardless of no-incident file on Nigerian seas, the group highlighted that occasions had been reported as much as 212 nautical miles from the nation’s shores.

Nautical miles are used to measure the gap travelled via the water.

The IMB, due to this fact, urged shippers to extend their vigilance in defending their vessels, stating that many hijacking incidents in the course of the first 12 months might probably have gone undetected.

”Typically, all waters in/off Nigeria stay extremely dangerous,” the IMB acknowledged in its report. ”Incidents have additionally been reported as much as about 212nm from the coast.

”Vessels are suggested to be vigilant as many may have gone unreported. Kidnapping for ransom stays the largest danger for crews. Vessels are suggested to take extra measures in these-high danger waters. Previously, tankers had been additionally hijacked and half cargo stolen (gasoline oil)”

Nigeria reacts

In response to the experiences, the Director Normal of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Security Company (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, stated the nation is dedicated to sustaining the momentum of the success recorded in latest instances within the struggle towards piracy within the area.

In an announcement, the Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Jamoh, famous that the discount was a direct results of collaboration amongst nationwide, regional, and non-regional stakeholders, in line with the PUNCH newspaper on Thursday.

The assertion additionally quoted the IMB Director, Michael Howlett, to have stated, “Not solely is that this excellent news for the seafarers and the transport business, however additionally it is constructive information for commerce which promotes financial development. However the areas of danger shift and the transport group should stay vigilant. We encourage governments and responding authorities to proceed their patrols which create a deterrent impact.”

PREMIUM TIMES had reported the Indian authorities in December 2020, introduced how 20 of its nationals aboard an oil tanker, (Sailors) MV Duke, had been kidnapped by pirates within the Gulf of Guinea West alongside the shores of Nigeria.

The sailors had been launched six days later.

”Indian Govt & Mission gave highest precedence and labored with @NigeriaGov on launch of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 had been launched yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adversarial situations. Our deepest condolences. Mission helping in speedy return,” the Indian Excessive Fee in Nigeria had introduced by way of its verified Twitter deal with.

Indian Govt & Mission gave highest precedence and labored with @NigeriaGov on launch of 20 Indian seafarers kidnapped on 15 Dec from MV Duke. 19 had been launched yesterday. One sadly died in captivity in adversarial situations. Our deepest condolences.🙏Mission assiting in speedy return.

— India in Nigeria (and Benin, Chad & ECOWAS) (@india_nigeria) January 19, 2020