220 Vessels Involved in Maritime Crime in Nigeria

Between August 2018 and March 2023, over 220 vessels involved in maritime crime in Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone, have been prosecuted.

At the inauguration of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, President Buhari said more than 87 oil tankers involved in various crude oil and product thefts had been arrested. Over three million barrels of crude oil were seized.

Crude oil theft, maritime robbery and piracy are often linked to terrorist groups and violent extremism which remain a major challenge in managing the evolving security situation in the country.

This calls for the strengthening of regional and international cooperation as a key instrument to enhance the country’s national security.

It is in this context that the peace adviser of the office of the Resident Coordinator (UN Nigeria) commended the progress made by the Nigerian military in reducing the operational capacity of the West African province of the Islamic State and Boko Haram.