Current Analysis of piracy attacks in West Africa

•  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.
* GAC