ITF Calls for Action on Gulf of Guinea Piracy

Following back-to-back attacks on two vessels in the Gulf of Guinea last week, the International Transport Worker’ Federation has called for urgent global and regional cooperation to fight piracy off West Africa.

On November 2, pirates kidnapped nine crewmembers from the Norwegian-flagged MV Bonita while the vessel was at anchor off the coast of Benin. Two days later, four crewmembers were taken hostage off the coast of neighboring Togo from the Greek-flagged Elka Aristotle. Several other abductions have been reported in the Gulf of Guinea in recent months, including eight crewmembers taken hostage off Cameroon in August and 10 seafarers off the coast of Nigeria in July.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: maritime-executive.com

We’re engaging security agencies to secure waterways – NIWA

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA) Dr George Muoghalu, said the authority is engaging security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy to play the expected role of ensuring that the waterways are secured and safe for use.

He also said the Authority was working hard to ensure that the 10000 kilometers waterways are all year round navigated.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: dailytrust.com.ng

Maritime Security in Gulf of Guinea: France advocates concerted efforts

Mrs Genevieve Darrieussecq, the Secretary of State to the French Minister for the Armed Forces, has advocated for concerted efforts to address the challenges of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

She said concerted efforts were needed to carry out a decisive work to combat the scourges that threaten safety at sea, which was an indispensable work for the development of the West Africa sub-region.

Mrs. Darrieussecq made the appeal in Accra at the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea Group (G7++FoGG) 2019 summit.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: businessghana.com

UAE takes over the chair of IORA

Ismail Sebugwaawo

Piracy, armed robbery, drug smuggling and human trafficking are some of the major challenges faced in the Indian Ocean waters, according to members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Speaking at a Press conference on the sidelines of the 19th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) that concluded in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Khurshed Alam, secretary of the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and deputy secretary-general of the IORA, said almost 40,000 ships are passing through the waters of Indian Ocean daily.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: khaleejtimes.com

 

Mindef committed to Sabah, Sarawak security: Mat Sabu

Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Defence is committed to strengthening security in Sabah and Sarawak to curb external threats including transborder kidnapping, said its Minister Mohamad Sabu.

He said said the territorial sovereignty, security and prosperity of the people are a priority of the government. “Generally, the security of Sabah and Sarawak at present is regulated by operations by the military services namely the army, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force,” Mohamad was quoted as saying by defence news website airtimes.my on Wednesday.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: dailyexpress.com.my

Use legitimate routes: Marine police

LAHAD DATU: Those entering or leaving Sabah should use the legitimate routes, said Sabah Region 4 Marine Police Force Commander ACP Mohamad Pajeri Ali. He said this was a reminder to avoid mishaps and untoward incidents.

“We (Malaysia) has a system, exit and enter legally, for example there is a CIQ in Tawau or the Sandakan Port. But most use illegal routes from neighbouring countries, taking the easy way to run from the law without thinking about safety as anything can happen in the middle of the sea,’’ he said.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: dailyexpress.com.my

4 Australian warships now in PH for various activities

By:

CEBU CITY –– Four Australian warships are in the Philippines for various activities, including military exercises, as part of their cooperation with their counterparts in the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard.

The frigate warships, including HMAS Stuart, HMAS Leeuwin, HMAS Sirius, and HMAS Ararat, participated in the recent commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landing last Oct 20. They provided the backdrop in the reenactment event.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: globalnation.inquirer.net

Alleged Somali pirates accused of kidnapping hit with terrorism charges

Michael Scott Moore, image courtesy of SomaliaReport.com

By Andrew Denney

Two alleged Somali pirates previously accused of kidnapping an American journalist and holding him for more than two and a half years were hit with fresh federal charges on Wednesday — including new allegations they were working on behalf of terrorists.

Mohamed Thalil Mohamed and Abdi Hassad were previously hit with kidnapping raps in connection with the long captivity of Michael Scott Moore.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: nypost.com

Indonesian marine police crack down on local pirates

Jim Wilson

Aggressive action by Indonesia’s marine police is putting pressure on Southeast Asian pirates and the number of local attacks is falling, the crime-fighting International Maritime Bureau has reported.

“Recent meetings and continued dialogue between the Indonesian marine police and the IMB PRC resulted in positive actions by the Indonesian authorities which have so far brought incidents down. With the assistance and actions of the IMP, the incidents appear to be decreasing each quarter,” the IMB has stated.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: freightwaves.com

 

India to have Central Marine Police Force to guard coastline

India has a vast coastline of 7,516 km touching 13 states and union territories. It also has around 1,197 islands.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs has completed the modalities of setting up a new armed force — Central Marine Police Force — to strengthen coastal security. A final proposal would be sent to the Cabinet by early next month for approval, a source in the ministry said on Saturday.

About the structure of the force, a senior ministry officer said, “Unlike other Central Armed Police Forces, the Central Marine Police Force will have it own cadre, rules, manual, Act, infrastructure and would be headed by a Director-General rank officer.”

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: telanganatoday.com