Total piracy incidents fell again by two from November to just two in December. As was the case in October and November, the drop is largely attributed to a reduction in reported instances of low-level armed robbery due at least partly to the joint naval patrols of ‘Operation Prosperity’ in traditional high risk anchorages and ports in Nigeria in Benin. The majority of STS operations have moved from high risk Nigerian waters to areas off Togo under the control of the Togolese navy, causing a reduction in tanker hijackings.
Total piracy incidents fell again by two from November to just two in December. As was the case in October and November, the drop is largely attributed to a reduction in reported instances of low-level armed robbery due at least partly to the joint naval patrols of ‘Operation Prosperity’ in traditional high risk anchorages and ports in Nigeria in Benin. The majority of STS operations have moved from high risk Nigerian waters to areas off Togo under the control of the Togolese navy, causing a reduction in tanker hijackings.
However, it is unlikely that the official statistics provide an accurate representation of the security situation due to the under reporting of attacks. Low level armed robbery should be expected in anchorages and ports in Togo, Nigeria and Benin, despite improved security measures or optimistic reporting in the short term. Furthermore, any attacks on vessels carrying illegal cargoes involved in the fuel bunkering trade will not be reported in local or international media, further skewing piracy statistics in the region.
According to AKE sources in Nigeria, the removal of the Nigerian fuel subsidy at the end of January may result in an increase in piracy if traffic increases to and from Nigerian ports as new entrants join the market, which may be exacerbated depending on the scarcity of refined products
Likewise, an increase in militant activity and general insecurity in the Delta region is likely to translate into increased attacks on oil and gas vessels, crew and infrastructure in offshore fields, as was seen in November’s attacks on Chevron supply vessels.
Vessel operators are advised to maintain strict watch rotas and ensure security measures are in place at all times when operating in high risk areas off Gulf of Guinea, particularly when idling at low speeds or when stationary. Static or slow moving vessels up to 150NM from the coast in the Gulf of Guinea are at a heightened risk as they are easier to board and unable to carry out evasive manoeuvres. Vessels awaiting orders or carrying out STS operations, for example, face an increased risk. Properly secured citadels continue to prove highly effective against attempted hijackings.
Source: AKE GAC
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