We cover piracy, armed robbery at sea, IUU fishing, maritime cyber security and maritime security issues.
By Monday Ijeh
Abuja – Troops of Sector II Operation “DELTA SAFE” have arrested three sea robbers and killed one suspect in a gun battle in Bayelsa.
Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operation disclosed this during a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the notorious sea robbery gang encountered by the troops on April 3, had been on the wanted list of the troops.
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Source: sundiatapost.com
The Defence Headquarters on Tuesday said that the Nigerian Navy has located two illegal refineries around Opumami in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Brigadier-General Benard Onyeuko.
It stated that the sites were located by the Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA patrol teams which conducted anti-Crude Oil Theft (COT)/anti-illegal bunkering operations in its Area of Operation during the week.
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Source: tribuneonlineng.com
The French Navy has suspended its Mission Corymbe off West Africa due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, and withdrawn a vessel from the area.
The patrol vessel Lieutenant de Vaisseau Le Henaff, which departed Brest on 3 March for West Africa, returned to France at the end of the month. During its return voyage it stopped in Conakry and Dakar.
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Source: defenceweb.co.za
In response to ongoing maritime security issues in the Gulf of Guinea, maritime organisations including BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and the ICS, in conjunction with international P&I Clubs and military advisers, have created new guidance for shipping.
Best Management Practices to Enhance Maritime Security for Vessels & Mariners Operating Off the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP WA), is a mouthful, but is essential reading for anyone transiting the region. It follows similar guidance documents for the Indian Ocean and should be considered the de facto guide for maritime security guidance in the region.
To download BMP WA, please click here.
Nigeria’s Department of Petroleum Resources has instructed oil and gas firms to reduce the workforce on offshore platforms. The measure is part of the government’s plans to contain the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in the country.
The restrictions come after the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) announced six workers on the Siem Marlin offshore rig were diagnosed with Covid-19 late last week, according to Reuters.
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Source: offshore-technology.com
Liberia-flagged containership MV Lana escaped pirate attack on Friday while sailing south of Bonny Island, Nigeria.
A skiff with six people on board attacked the ship and fired shots at the vessel, according to Dryad Global. The attack took place 99 nautical miles south off Bonny Island, and 30 nautical miles south-east from the Engine Terminal.
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Source: shipsandports.com.ng
President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday imposed 14-day curfew on Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, with effect from 11pm on Monday (today).
The President, however, said that “all seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier”
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Source: shipsandports.com.ng
DRYAD Global reported pirates attack at Conakry Anchorage Guinea, at 0230 UTC Mar 27. Pirates managed to board the ship, broke into superstructure and looted living quarters and service compartments, stealing cash and valuables. No other information available presently, with regards to crew and situation after attack, hopefully nobody was injured/kidnapped. Bulk carrier is anchored since Mar 21, on arrival from Abijan, Ivory Coast.
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Source: maritimebulletin.net
By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio
Two persons have been feared killed by strayed bullets in Ezetu Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa following an alleged military invasion of the community.
According to community sources, the soldiers reportedly stormed the community based on intelligence reports that some unidentified armed suspects, who attacked and burnt a military houseboat at Azagbene in Ekeremor Local Government Area, were taking refuge in the community.
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Source: vanguardngr.com
By Gary Dixon
Three people have been abducted from a ro-ro ferry off Gabon. Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG) had issued an advisory notice for a hijacking off Port-Gentil.
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Source: tradewindsnews.com
Marsec News Note: This article would appear to refer to the following incident, reported by Maritime Bulletin:
Coastal ro-ro passenger ship ELOBEY 6 was attacked and hijacked by pirates in the morning Mar 21, some 22 nm off Port Gentil, Gabon, while en route from Port Bata to Annobon island, Equatorial Guinea. Pirates forced the crew to sail to Nigerian waters, but fled when ELOBEY 6 was approached by Nigerian Navy.
Maritime Security News 