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.
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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
Crime
Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno
Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected terrorist scout during an ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:15 p.m. on June 6 by troops of the 73 Battalion (Main) following intelligence reports indicating the presence and movement of suspected terrorists around Malari village.
According to the sources, the troops deployed to the area and laid an ambush after receiving information suggesting that insurgents were massing within the vicinity.
During the operation, the troops reportedly observed an individual suspected to be conducting reconnaissance approaching from the direction of Malari village.
The sources said the suspect was challenged and ordered to stop but allegedly continued advancing toward the troops’ position.
The troops subsequently engaged the suspect, who was neutralised during the encounter.
The operation forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at preventing attacks on military positions and communities within the North-East region.
Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing surveillance and offensive operations across the area to deny insurgents freedom of movement.
Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno
Crime
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant and recovered a pistol during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Yahaya Haruna, was arrested in the early hours of June 7 at Mungi village following intelligence linking him to criminal elements operating in the area.
According to the sources, troops of Sub-Sector 81 deployed at Gyambwas carried out the operation at about 12:15 a.m. after receiving credible information on the suspect’s alleged activities.
The sources said a search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of one pistol believed to be connected to criminal operations.
“Acting on intelligence, troops arrested the suspect and conducted a search of his house, during which one pistol was recovered,” the sources said.
They added that the suspect and the recovered weapon were taken into custody for further investigation.
Security officials said preliminary investigations were ongoing to establish the suspect’s alleged links with kidnapping syndicates and determine the source of the recovered firearm.
They noted that efforts were also being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at disrupting kidnapping networks and dismantling criminal support structures across Plateau State.
Authorities urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau
Crime
Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders
Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders
By: Zagazola Makama
The Malian government has announced financial rewards running into billions of CFA francs for information leading to the capture or neutralisation of some of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders, as authorities intensify efforts to combat insurgency across the Sahel.

The move, approved under the leadership of military ruler Gen. Assimi Goïta, targets key figures accused of orchestrating attacks against civilians, security forces and state institutions.
According to official information reported by state media, a reward of two billion CFA francs has been placed on Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), while a reward of 1.5 billion CFA francs has been offered for information leading to the capture of Amadou Koufa, a prominent militant commander associated with Katiba Macina.
Several other leaders of armed groups operating in Mali and the wider Sahel region are also covered by the reward scheme, with varying sums attached to them.

The Malian authorities said the rewards would be paid to individuals who provide credible information leading to the location, arrest or neutralisation of the wanted suspects. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies by sharing relevant intelligence.
The announcement comes amid renewed military operations against jihadist groups in northern and central Mali, where insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have continued to launch attacks despite sustained counterterrorism campaigns.
Malian authorities have vowed to continue pursuing the leaders and support networks of armed groups until they are brought to justice.
Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders
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