Nigeria Records Four Years Without Piracy in Its Waters Naval Chief

Nigeria has recorded four consecutive years without a reported sea piracy incident in its territorial waters, reflecting what the Nigerian Navy describes as sustained improvements in maritime security.

The Chief of Naval Staff said the achievement was supported by increased surveillance, improved operational capabilities and cooperation among security agencies and other maritime stakeholders.

The development represents a significant change from previous years when piracy and attacks on commercial vessels posed major security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea, affecting shipping operations and increasing insurance and security costs.

Nigeria’s maritime authorities have credited initiatives including the Deep Blue Project and stronger coordination between the Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and other security agencies with helping to secure the country’s waters.

However, officials have warned that the reduction in piracy does not mean Nigeria’s maritime security challenges have disappeared. Drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal fishing and other forms of maritime crime remain concerns.

The wider Gulf of Guinea also continues to face risks from piracy, armed robbery and kidnapping, according to international maritime security advisories.

The Navy says it is therefore strengthening surveillance and information-sharing capabilities while working with regional partners to prevent criminal networks from exploiting Nigeria’s waterways.