War Against Sea Piracy

Newswatch

26 November 2011

War Against Sea Piracy       

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin set up a joint naval operation code-named “Operation prosperity” to check-mate activities of pirates in the Gulf of Guinea waters

The recent upsurge in the activities of sea pirates on Nigerian waterways has been a source of concern to maritime navigation. Since May this year, there have been increasing reports of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and off the coast of West Africa. In reponse to this ugly development, the International Maritime Bureau, IMB,  has rated the coastal parts bordering Lagos and the Bonny waters as one of the most piracy attack-prone areas of the world. According to the IMB reports, Nigeria and Benin Republic have recorded more than 22 incidences of piracy this year, the highest ever recorded on the West African coast.

The attacks have been aimed at oil tankers, cargo vessels, fishing trawlers, and speed boats conveying passengers from one destination to another.