Crime
Gulf of Guinea still at risk of piracy attacks, crew kidnappings- IMB
Gulf of Guinea still at risk of piracy attacks, crew kidnappings- IMB
By: Michael Mike
The Gulf of Guinea still remains at risk of piracy attacks and crew kidnappings; the International Maritime Bureau has raised the alarm.
The International Maritime Bureau is a specialized department of the International Chamber of Commerce, saddled with the responsibilities of fighting crimes related to maritime trade and transportation, particularly piracy and commercial fraud, and in protecting the crews of ocean-going vessels.
A statement on Friday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said while the efforts of the international and regional navies; and coastal response agencies in the Gulf of Guinea have resulted in a decline in piracy and other maritime incidents, the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in its recent global piracy report has warned that the region remains at risk of piracy attacks and crew kidnappings, thus calling for continued efforts from the international navies and coastal response agencies in ensuring that piracy and other maritime crimes are permanently addressed in the region.
The statement said the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through its Global Maritime Crime Programme (GCMP) had organized a Table-top Exercise (TTX) from 4-6 April 2022 in Lagos for the Nigerian Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Agencies, an event which had in attendance 32 officers from 16 different agencies and aimed primarily at providing a platform for the participants to further strengthen inter-agency collaboration on evidence collection through various practical exercises developed based on scenarios used during the OBANGAME Express 2022 covering cases of piracy, drug trafficking and fisheries crime.
According to the statement, the Command Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Western Naval Command (WNC), Commodore G.J Kachim, representing the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, speaking
during the Exercise, stated that the Exercise was important given the impact of maritime security to the economic growth of Nigeria and the entire sub-region.
He expressed gratitude to UNODC and the EU for the initiative in organizing the Exercise, noting that inter-agency cooperation and collaboration was key in sustaining the progress in the fight against maritime crimes in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea. He emphasized the importance of following correct operational procedures in interdiction operations and in evidence collection, preservation and handover, as prescribed by law, in order to aid prosecution.
Also Read: Cleric urges religious leaders to preach love, positive…
The Exercise provided an opportunity for the participants to better understand the needs and benefits of inter-agency coordination and cooperation to investigate and prosecute maritime crime cases; as well as a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the difficulties and particularities of investigating incidents and collecting evidence in the maritime environment.
The statement said the Exercise ended with a visit to the Nigerian Navy Western Fleet where the participants were acquainted with the Maritime Domain Awareness and law enforcement platforms and activities of the Nigerian Navy which their agencies can leverage on to discharge their respective mandates.
The activity was conducted under the EU project Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS).
It aims to support the implementation of UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Nigeria which is set out to (1) promote and support the development and implementation of relevant national maritime security strategies and policies, (2) strengthen the criminal justice response to maritime crime, (3) strengthen international cooperation against maritime crime, and (4) improve Maritime Domain Awareness by leveraging new technologies and innovative approaches. • Promote research to deepen the understanding of maritime crime and related phenomena.
Gulf of Guinea still at risk of piracy attacks, crew kidnappings- IMB
Troops arrest 13 suspected illegal miners at newly excavated site in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have arrested 13 suspected illegal miners at a newly excavated mining site in the Shere general area of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 10, 2026, by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion during an operation in the area.
The suspects were reportedly found at a newly excavated site suspected to be operating illegally.
The 13 suspects are currently in military custody for further action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb illegal mining activities, prevent the exploitation of mineral resources by unauthorised operators and address associated security concerns within the FCT.
Troops arrest 13 suspected illegal miners at newly excavated site in Abuja
Three killed in attack on illegal mining site in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Three people have been killed in an attack on an illegal mining site between Jol and Tashek communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:10 p.m. on Nov. 10, prompting troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), deployed at Dakku, to respond to the distress report.
The troops, upon arrival at the scene, discovered that members of the community had evacuated three bodies of victims killed during the attack.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the assailants, with troops deploying an EIB Stratoc drone to support surveillance and intelligence gathering around the area.
The troops have also intensified patrols and maintained an aggressive security presence in the general area to prevent further attacks.
The incident comes amid recurring security concerns around illegal mining sites in parts of Plateau State, where disputes over access to mineral resources and control of mining locations have reportedly triggered violent confrontations.
There have been instances in which illegal miners allegedly attack one another over control of mining resources, while other incidents have involved armed groups reportedly targeting mining locations.
In some cases, suspected Fulani armed bandits have also been accused of attacking illegal mining sites, allegedly using such locations to carry out revenge attacks.
However, the circumstances surrounding the latest incident, including the identities of the attackers and their motive, remain unclear.
The recurring violence point to the need for stronger security measures and effective enforcement against illegal mining, which has increasingly become a source of criminal activity, economic exploitation and insecurity in parts of the state.
Security agencies are working to establish the circumstances of the attack and bring those responsible to justice.
Three killed in attack on illegal mining site in Plateau
Troops, hunters neutralise ISWAP terrorist in ambush operation in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 27 Task Force Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with local hunters, have neutralised a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist during an ambush operation in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by troops and local security partners to dismantle terrorist networks and restrict their movements within the area.
The joint team reportedly laid an ambush on the suspected terrorists, leading to the neutralisation of one ISWAP fighter.
Troops, hunters neutralise ISWAP terrorist in ambush operation in Yobe
EU, Nigeria Expand Cooperation on Migration, Security with €112m Support
DSS Intercept Weapons Shipment from Niger Republic, Recover 21 AK-47 Rifles, Four PKT Machine Guns in Sokoto
INEC Proposes Democratic Freedoms Compact to Safeguard 2027 Elections
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News3 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News2 years agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News3 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS3 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns3 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
