THIS DAWN — The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Police, Western Command, has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects allegedly involved in attempted attacks on international vessels within the Lagos port corridor.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac Hundeyin, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed the arrests on Friday.
ASP Hundeyin explained that operatives on routine patrol earlier in the week intercepted a suspicious speedboat near the waterfront of Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), close to the berthed vessel CL YINGNA HE at Berth 12.
“The patrol team initially observed three occupants on the boat.
“As officers approached, they discovered four additional individuals lying flat on the deck, apparently attempting to conceal themselves,” Hundeyin stated.
According to him, the suspects were seen extending a bamboo pole fitted with a steel hook toward the berthed vessel, suggesting an attempt to gain unlawful access.
When questioned, the men failed to provide any credible explanation for their presence in restricted waters.
A search of the boat yielded several items commonly associated with maritime theft.
These include:
- a heavy iron cutter,
- two saw blades,
- a bamboo pole with a steel hook,
- a ship rope,
- 31 assorted spanners,
- four screwdrivers,
- a pair of pliers,
- a plastic bucket, and,
- the speedboat itself powered by a 60HP Yamaha engine.
Arrest and arraignment
The suspects were handed over to the Port Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation and subsequently arraigned in court on November 20.
Commissioner of Police, Western Command, CP Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, assured maritime stakeholders of the Command’s commitment to eradicating criminal activity across Nigerian ports.
She emphasized that intensified patrols, enhanced intelligence gathering, and sustained collaboration with other security agencies remain central to maintaining a secure and business-friendly maritime environment.
The Ports Authority Police, headquartered in Apapa, Lagos, oversees security across Nigerian ports.
Its Marine Unit conducts waterfront patrols and operations up to 12 nautical miles offshore in close coordination with NPA.
Despite these measures, maritime crime remains a significant challenge.
NPA records show at least 78 incidents targeting ships in the first half of 2024.
In a separate crackdown that same year, the Western Command arrested 103 suspects linked to theft, stowaway attempts, and assaults on vessels.
These are seen as evidence of persistent illegal activity within the Lagos port corridor.
Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, have welcomed increased policing.
The Council, however, cautioned that overly aggressive enforcement could disrupt legitimate port operations and raise costs.
Labour and maritime unions, such as the Maritime Workers Union, continue to collaborate with authorities to balance enhanced security with smooth port activities.
