The Nigerian ports witnessed four attacks on vessels in the first half of the year. This is according to data obtained by our correspondent, detailing incidents reported by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from January 1st to June 30th, 2024.
The data, categorized by port and incident type, highlights the various challenges and activities at the various maritime gateways across the country.
According to the data, the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) recorded the highest number of incidents with a total of 29 cases, including 3 accidents, 3 arrests, 1 assault, 3 cases of damage to NPA property, 2 deaths, 1 case of arms and ammunition, 1 protest, 1 attack on vessels, 2 stowaways, 2 joint raiding operations, 2 thefts, 3 visits, and 1 instance of trespassing to NPA land or illegal entry.
Meanwhile, the Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC) reported a total of 21 incidents, including 3 accidents, 3 cases of damage to NPA property, 4 deaths, 2 fire incidents, 2 protests, 3 attacks on vessels, 1 stowaway, 2 joint raiding operations, and 3 visits.
The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) had minimal incidents, with only 2 recorded cases of arms and ammunition and protests. Lekki Port recorded 5 incidents in total, including 1 fire incident, 1 protest, 1 joint raiding operation, 1 theft, and 1 visit.
Rivers Port also reported 5 incidents, including 1 accident, 1 protest, 1 joint raiding operation, 1 theft, and 1 visit.
The Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) and Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) in Rivers state reported fewer incidents, with FLT recording 2 incidents (1 accident and 1 protest) and FOT recording 2 incidents (1 death and 1 fire incident).
Delta Ports had 7 incidents, including 1 accident, 1 case of damage to NPA property, 1 fire incident, 2 protests, 1 attack on vessels, and 1 visit. Calabar Port reported 5 incidents, including 1 accident, 1 case of damage to NPA property, 2 protests, and 1 visit.
In total, 78 incidents were recorded across all ports, categorized as: 7 accidents, 4 arrests, 1 assault, 13 cases of damage to NPA property, 7 deaths, 2 cases of arms and ammunition, 5 fire incidents, 11 protests, 4 attacks on vessels, 3 stowaways, 7 joint raiding operations, 5 thefts, 8 visits, 1 kidnapping, 1 case of sensitization, and 1 instance of trespassing to NPA land or illegal entry.
