Why Illegal Bunkering Thrives In Niger Delta

For Indigenes of Bayelsa, issues of illegal bunkering is not new and has gained acceptance despite repeated clampdown on their operations by security agencies, particularly the Joint Security Task Force, code named Operation Delta Safe. Osa Okhomina examines the operations of the illegal operators amidst growing concern over insecurity, destruction and other environmental effects.

In Bayelsa, the operations of illegal operators of local refineries have become a norm and has been embraced as another way of forceful sharing from the national cake.

While the security agents including the Joint Security Task Force code named Operation Delta Safe and the Nigerian Navy, engage in serious security operations with destruction of Illegal bunkering sites, the shady operation continued in some Bayelsa communities and has become a new way of livelihood.

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Source: leadership.ngdelta/

Gulf of Oman oil tanker attacks fuel maritime security demand

Maritime security firms have seen demand soar following the attacks on oil tankers on June 13. But defending ships from allegedly involved state-backed forces such as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard may not be easy.

Author Ashutosh Pandey

The demand for private maritime security personnel has shot up since the attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on June 13, as shippers step up efforts to protect their ships and keep global trade going.

The US has blamed Iran for the attacks, which took place near the Strait of Hormuz, which is used to transport a third of the world’s seaborne crude. Iran has denied the accusations.

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Source: dw.com

Abus release 9 hostages

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Abu Sayyaf gunmen released nine hostages after finding that they were Bajau fishermen who had no money to pay for their ransom, Malaysian and Philippine officials said on Saturday.

The military said the nine men were found walking along a road in Talipao, Sulu, on Friday, three days after they were abducted in waters off Lahad Datu in Borneo on June 18.

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Source: globalnation.inquirer.net

Kenya, Somalia sea row threatens war on piracy

By AGGREY MUTAMBO

Somalia has launched a diplomatic offensive against Kenya in their dispute over the Indian Ocean waters prompting the Arab League to condemn Nairobi for annexing Mogadishu’s territory.

The Arab Parliament in which Somali has members claimed Kenya was drawing up an illegal map that includes taking away Somali territory. The taking sides in the disputes could now complicate the war on piracy in which more than 30 Indian Ocean rim countries have cooperated to decimate attacks and their success.

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Source: businessdailyafrica.com

Abus snatch, kill retired gov’t employee in Sulu

Roel Pareño

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed a retired government employee they seized in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

The bandits also reportedly ransacked the house of Kirah Tiblan in Sitio Lingon Gitung, Barangay Igasan before setting it on fire.

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Source: philstar.com

India launches Operation Sankalp to reassure Indian vessels

The development has come in the wake of the attack on oil tankers raising tensions between US and Iran

WRITTEN BY Sidhant Sibal

In a major development the Indian Navy has launched Operation Sankalp in the Persian Gulf/Gulf of Oman as a measure to re-assure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region. The development has come in the wake of the attack on oil tankers raising tensions between US and Iran.

While Tehran denies involvement, Washington says that the West Asian country was behind it. Pentagon has released footage of Iran’s special forces removing unexploded mine.

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Source: dnaindia.com

Kenya elected to chair Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia

By Patrick Vidija

Kenya has been elected the chair of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) for a period of two years beginning January 2020.

The chairmanship will afford Kenya the opportunity to coordinate regional and international efforts to deal with the challenge of piracy which remains a threat to the Maritime sector, despite being suppressed in recent times.

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Source: the-star.co.ke

Eight men held in connection with kidnapping of fishermen in Lahad Datu, says CID Chief

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Eight men have been arrested to help in investigations into the kidnapping of 10 Bajau Laut fishermen (sea gypsies) in Felda waters in Lahad Datu, Sabah on Tuesday (June 18), says CID director Datuk Huzir Mohamed.

He said six of those arrested are foreigners, aged between 17 and 60, who were spared by the armed kidnappers on Tuesday.

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Source: thestar.com.my

Navy playing Op Copper cards close to the chest – military observers not impressed

An SA Navy decision not to comment on an Operation Copper anti-piracy deployment has not improved the public image or perception of the maritime service of the national defence force, with experts cautioning this is a step backwards in terms of transparency.

When defenceWeb earlier this month requested some detail on an apparent upcoming deployment to the Mozambique Channel the official SA Navy response was: “This is an operational matter and we cannot comment on it”.

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Source: defenceweb.co.za

Our vessel not involved in piracy, C&I Leasing says

Anna Okon

The Management of C&I Leasing Plc has said contrary to report by some online media that its vessel, MV Charis, was arrested in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on the suspicion of involvement in piracy activities, the vessel was on its way to execute a recovery contract in Equatorial Guinea when it was hijacked by sea pirates.

The Managing Director, C&I Leasing, Mr Andrew Otike-Odibi, explained this in a statement while commending the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, Ambassador Toko Ali Gongulong; the Defence Attaché, Navy Captain Seyi Oladipo; and the Spanish Navy, for their intervention and timely release of the vessel.

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Source: punchng.com