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Gulf of Guinea still at risk of piracy attacks, crew kidnappings- IMB

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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

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Crime

Police restore order after clash between students and host community in Bichi

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Police restore order after clash between students and host community in Bichi

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Kano State has restored normalcy following a minor disturbance between some students of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, and members of the host community.

Sources said that the incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday near the institution’s main gate.

According to the sources, five students identified as Buba Snu, Prince Snu, Kamal Snu, and two others now at large, allegedly attacked some members of the host community with stones at the More Event Centre, located opposite the college gate.

The attack, which occurred during a community event at the venue, provoked a swift reaction from residents who reportedly chased the students back to the school premises.

The sources stated that officers from Bichi Division visited the scene and quickly brought the situation under control, preventing further escalation.

“No life was lost, and no injuries were recorded. However, two vehicles belonging to the institution were damaged during the unrest,” the sources stated.

The sources added that normalcy had been restored, while monitoring and observation of the situation were ongoing to prevent a recurrence.

The Command urged both students and community members to remain calm and avoid actions capable of breaching public peace.

Police restore order after clash between students and host community in Bichi

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Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

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Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

By: Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, who passed away while receiving medical treatment in Lagos.

The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m., when the officer reportedly died at the Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, during a medical session for fibroid treatment.

Following the report, a delegation from the Command visited the hospital to confirm the development and make necessary arrangements.

“The corpse was evacuated to a public morgue for preservation and autopsy,”sources said.

The Command said arrangements were underway, in collaboration with the late officer’s family, to accord her a befitting burial.

CSP Ngbanoyen was described as a dedicated and disciplined officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with commitment and professionalism.

The Command expressed condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends over the tragic loss.

Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos

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Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South

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Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South

By: Zagazola Makama

Decomposed body of a man earlier reported kidnapped has been discovered in a mining pond in Farin Lamba community of Jos South Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola that the discovery was made by the police at about 4 p.m. following a report by residents.

He said the Divisional Police Officer, Kaduna Vom Division, immediately mobilised a team of policemen to the scene where the corpse was identified as that of Mr. Cyril Nilanda, a resident of NITR Quarters, Vom.

Nilanda was reportedly kidnapped on Sept. 30, 2025, and had been missing since then.

Sources said the body, which was found in a decomposed state, was being prepared for evacuation and further forensic examination.

The police assured that concerted efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the abduction and killing of the victim.

Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South

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