• Pirate activity appears to be spreading outwards from the Niger Delta.
• The Bakassi Peninsula is an area of particular concern, while Lagos and Douala harbours (in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively) see a growing number of opportunistic criminal attacks against vessels.
• Attacks here are often more violent than other piracy hotspots around the world.
• Pirates may be dressed in military uniform.
• Many may originate from political separatist groups, rather than just criminal syndicates.
• Pirate activity appears to be spreading outwards from the Niger Delta.
• The Bakassi Peninsula is an area of particular concern, while Lagos and Douala harbours (in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively) see a growing number of opportunistic criminal attacks against vessels.
• Attacks here are often more violent than other piracy hotspots around the world.
• Pirates may be dressed in military uniform.
• Many may originate from political separatist groups, rather than just criminal syndicates.
• Hijacked vessels are more likely to be abandoned and captives are more likely to be taken
ashore for holding.
• The waters in the region tend not to be heavily patrolled by anti-piracy vessels.
• A large number of incidents go unreported.
• Vessels associated with the oil and gas industry remain an attractive target.
• Evading an imminent pirate attack is much more likely when a suspicious vessel is spotted
early. Vessels are therefore encouraged to be vigilant with 24-hour watch rotas in place, especially during the hours of darkness.
• Note that pirate activity in the Niger Delta also appears to have inspired a number of copycat groups along the coasts of Guinea (Conakry) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Vessels at anchor in harbours beyond the Gulf of Guinea should therefore also exercise
vigilance.
However the Niger Delta remains an area of particularly high risk, and political instability may rise ahead of elections, scheduled for April. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Nigeria’s main militant group recently threatened renewed attacks on the oil and gas sector which could also be directed against offshore interests’ vessels operating in the Niger Delta. It is advised to closely monitor the situation and ensure that travel around the waters of the Niger Delta is well-planned and supported by adequate security. Vigilance, crew preparation, watch rotas and security measures are also recommended when approaching Nigerian ports.
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