The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a general decline in global piracy figures between January and September this year, even as the global piracy watchdog acknowledged that the once-volatile Gulf of Guinea now shows strong decreases in all forms of crime.
According to the IMB, “the Gulf of Guinea, which received the greatest attention in the past, is now showing strong decreases in all forms of crime.”
Specifically, the IMB noted in the report that, “most notably, Nigeria only reported four incidents in the first nine months of 2021, in comparison to 17 in 2020 and 41 in 2018”. It added that, so far this year, only one crew member has been kidnapped in Nigeria.
The Gulf of Guinea region recorded 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the first nine months of 2021, in comparison to 46 for the same period in 2020.
Most notably, “Nigeria only reported four incidents in the first nine months of 2021, in comparison to 17 in 2020 and 41 in 2018. Crew kidnappings in the region have dropped with only one crew member kidnapped in Q3 2021, compared to 31 crew members taken in five separate incidents during Q3 2020. All Q3 incidents in 2021 were also against vessels at port anchorages whilst the average successful kidnapping location in Q3 2020 was approximately 100NM from land”, the report noted
On the Gulf of Guinea generally, the IMB said: “The overall reduction of piracy and armed robbery incidents in the region is a testament to enhanced maritime security and response coordination measures adopted by regional and national authorities”.
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“We welcome the decrease of piracy and armed robbery attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and the efforts taken by maritime authorities in the region,” said Michael Howlett, Director, ICC International Maritime Bureau.”
The organization, which has been a single point of contact for the reporting of maritime piracy and armed robbery, however cautioned against complacency, saying that efforts must continue to combat crime.
“However, there needs to be sustained efforts to ensure the continued safety of seafarers as they transport essential goods throughout the region. Coastal States must redouble their coordination and security measures to ensure that piracy and armed robbery incidents continue to decline”, he cautioned.
“Despite these gains, IMB warns that the risk to crew remains high in the region and that such efforts must therefore be sustained.”, the report added.
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