₦airaland Forum

Different reports have recently highlighted security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. One was published by the International Maritime Bureau, another by the French Navy’s Mica centre and another by the US Maritime Administration.

These reports come against a backdrop of pirate attacks against merchant ships in West Africa, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea between Côte d'Ivoire and Gabon. They have also led to attention-grabbing headlines about a “piracy surge” or even “waves of terror”.

In 2019, kidnappings of seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea reached an unprecedented number. Attacks against merchant ships were recorded off Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. The area is often described as “the world’s most dangerous seas”.

Piracy is a significant threat for shipping companies operating in the region. Industry organisations have pointed out that urgent action is required and that seafarers should not be “exposed to such appalling dangers”.

The human cost is significant and hostages aren’t the only victims. Representatives from seafarers’ unions have pointed out that their members are at considerable risk for just doing their jobs, and even crews on ships that are merely transiting are on edge.

Based on a thorough analysis of attack patterns and overall maritime activities in the region, I am convinced that it will be impossible for navies and other security agencies to improve maritime security as long as root causes are not addressed. Many security incidents at sea, and notably kidnappings of seafarers, are merely an extension of land-based issues.

At the heart of the problem are activities by criminal groups based in the Niger Delta where kidnappings on land have long been a security challenge. Unless the massive security problems in the Delta are resolved, no significant headway will be made at sea.

The numbers

Beyond attention-grabbing headlines there’s no consensus on figures. Not even the reports mentioned above include the same numbers. That matters because shipping companies make commercial decisions based on official statistics, and budgets for security agencies are allocated depending on the scope and scale of the problem.

For example, the International Maritime Bureau reported that 121 seafarers were taken as hostages during attacks in the Gulf of Guinea in 2019. This represented more than 90% of global kidnappings at sea recorded by the centre.

At the same time, the organisation only reported 64 attacks in the Gulf of Guinea last year. This was a decrease of 19% compared with 2018.

The US Maritime Administration highlighted a similar trend in a recent advisory even though the overall numbers are much higher. It reported that there were 129 attacks in 2019 after 145 attacks in 2018, representing an 11% drop.

The French Navy’s Mica centre, on the other hand, reported a 20% increase in attacks against ships across the Gulf of Guinea between 2018 and 2019 (from 90 to 111 incidents).

Overall, numbers differ due to reporting standards and categorisations aren’t comparable. Similar events are often classified in different ways. For example, the IMB recorded four hijacked ships in 2019, the US Maritime Administration noted six, and the MICA centre classified 26 incidents as hijackings.

Annual statistics are further complicated by increased awareness. Incidents that would not have been reported a few years ago are now included in publicly available data, even though they may be linked to other criminal activities at sea.

During my own research, I have come across many cases where such activities were linked to incidents broadly described as “pirate attacks”, without a detailed analysis of individual circumstances.

Such differences underline that annual statistics are not necessarily a valuable tool for understanding issues in the Gulf of Guinea. Rather, security agencies have to gain a broad understanding of all maritime security challenges. Based on such knowledge, a transparent analysis of incidents is possible, providing the necessary background for commercial decisions or law enforcement operations.

Extension of a land problem

Attacks at sea are generally conducted by criminal groups based in the Niger Delta. Throughout the region, there is an ample supply of foot soldiers and campsin remote locations where hostages can be held during negotiations, the prerequisites for a lucrative business model.

Violent attacks affected various countries in 2019. These are almost exclusively linked to Nigerian perpetrators.

Highlighting the direct link with Nigeria is important. On the one hand, neighbouring countries are unable to solve the problem unless security on land in the Niger Delta improves. On the other hand, spikes in attacks are possible at any time. For operators of merchant ships, the threat level can change within weeks, depending on factors such as weather, changes in traffic patterns or naval operations as well as the general situation on land in certain areas in the Niger Delta.

Furthermore, insecurity at sea is an overarching problem for regional governments. Pirate attacks may be particularly visible. But other concerns, such as fuel smuggling, illegal fishing or unregulated shipments of pharmaceuticals like Tramadol, are usually more pressing for government agencies.

Solutions

The West and Central African region has made significant progress in fighting all types of illicit activities at sea. Various types of maritime security issues are mentioned in the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, adopted in 2013 and aimed at improving maritime security in West and Central Africa.

However, human and financial resources are scarce and maritime security is generally regarded as less important than land-based security challenges which directly affect domestic populations.

But insecurity at sea has a significant economic impact by hurting activities related to the maritime environment. Maritime business plans therefore must include security-related expenditures for navies, coastguards and other government agencies. These are needed to maximise the potential of the maritime environment. This, in turn, would show that better maritime security has direct benefits for economic growth and development.

Source: https://theconversation.com/amp/gulf-of-guinea-fighting-criminal-groups-in-the-niger-delta-is-key-to-defeating-piracy-130480

Front page: Lalasticlala mynd44

Not sure that will go away anytime soon expecially when you have our u inform men working with them

Somebody must come and tell me its Fulani herdsmen with their cow that is causing havoc in the Delta!

At the heart of the problem are activities by criminal groups based in the Niger Delta where kidnappings on land have long been a security challenge. Unless the massive security problems in the Delta are resolved, no significant headway will be made at sea.

Attacks at sea are generally conducted by criminal groups based in the Niger Delta. Throughout the region, there is an ample supply of foot soldiers and campsin remote locations where hostages can be held during negotiations, the prerequisites for a lucrative business model.

Citytrend:
Not sure that will go away anytime soon expecially when you have our u inform men working with them

If there's leakers simply start coloring the water expose them. The issues in the niger delta must be dealt with if the nation wants new seaports to be sucessful. Piracy and illegal fishing can be dealt with by simply increasing their budget as I always suggest. These criminals should go find honest jobs or sit in jail.

budaatum:
Somebody must come and tell me its Fulani herdsmen with their cow that is causing havoc in the Delta!

You are wrong.

It is actually the Fulani Herdsmen with their cows causing the havoc.

For details, contact the nearest ipob miscreant.

Simplyleo:
You are wrong.

It is actually the Fulani Herdsmen with their cows causing the havoc.

For details, contact the nearest ipob miscreant.

I know I am wrong. I'm just asking for someone to show me cow in the Delta kidnapping ships and people and stealing and illegally selling oil.

Blue3k2:
If there's leakers simply start coloring the water expose them. The issues in the niger delta must be dealt with if the nation wants new seaports to be sucessful. Piracy and illegal fishing can be dealt with by simply increasing their budget as I always suggest. These criminals should go find honest jobs or sit in jail.

Were they not paid to go and retrain and reskill?

budaatum:
Were they not paid to go and retrain and reskill?

Weren't the bandits not given amnesty and yet they're rampaging in the north west. What's the point of your question?

Blue3k2:
Weren't the bandits not given amnesty and yet they're rampaging in the north west. What's the point of your question?

The point of my question is they were retrained and reskilled and they are now back, so that perhaps isn't the solution.

I'm sure you'd agree that it is not working in the North either, though, amnesty is not quite "reskill and retrain".

budaatum:
The point of my question is they were retrained and reskilled and they are now back, so that perhaps isn't the solution.

I'm sure you'd agree that it is not working in the North either, though, amnesty is not quite "reskill and retrain".

I didn't suggest futher amnesty or reskilling so the question is redundant. Criminal recidivism is a big issue since these guys dont face any real consequences to their lifestyle. The best course of action is to gather intelligence on the criminals gangs on land and arrest then. The navy also needs to have a smothering presence at sea.

I was not responding to any suggestion of yours, but stating one solution that did not work. These people were paid lots of money to reskill and retool but they didn't retool and reskill, least not most of them, though I do know some who got scholarships to study at home and abroad and who are now doing very well indeed.

You can arrest as many as you want, but the rate at which we breed will always mean replacements are waiting in the wings. What is required is proper education so that they can find useful things to do with their lives. Same with alimanjeri who have no skills to do anything better than what they currently do.

Blue3k2:
I didn't suggest suggest futher amnesty or reskilling so the question is redundant. Criminal recidivism is a big issue since these guys dont face any real consequences to their lifestyle. The best course of action is to gather intelligence on the criminals gangs on land and arrest then. The navy also needs to have a smothering presence at sea.

budaatum:
I was not responding to any suggestion of yours, but stating one solution that did not work. These people were paid lots of money to reskill and retool but they didn't retool and reskill, least not most of them, though I do know some who got scholarships to study at home and abroad and who are now doing very well indeed.

You can arrest as many as you want, but the rate at which we breed will always mean replacements are waiting in the wings. What is required is proper education so that they can find useful things to do with their lives. Same with alimanjeri who have no skills to do anything better than what they currently do.

You asked me a redundant question to point out something that doesn't work? Ok we both agree futher amnesty isnt a solution hence why nobody suggested it. The only people who haven't learned the lesson are government officials who decide to pay off criminals and or give the blanket amnesty. Boko haram traitors being another example. We'll see what becomes of the rehabbed mongrels.

I disagree the strong arm of the law is what's needed most. There's already schools in the state. They can sign up for skills courses. If more is needed that can be addressed. The claim they'll just be replaced like nothing is false. These same steps took down pirates in Somalia. The Gulf of Guinea should simply copy.

Blue3k2:
These same steps took down pirates in Somalia.

"These same steps" just moved them on to other criminal activities!

budaatum:
"These same steps" just moved them on to other criminal activities!

We're talking about how to reduce piracy on this thread. If these solutions reduce piracy that's success. Nice try shifting goal post. The overwhelming pressence of navy did just that. They even went back in fishing. Crime in general requires other holistic solutions.

Ps: Somalia a failed state. Their government would naturally have a harder time tackling crime.

Blue3k2:
We're talking about how to reduce piracy on this thread. If these solutions reduce piracy that's success. The overwhelming pressence of navy did just that. They even went back in fishing. Crime in general requires other holistic solutions.

You are talking about "how to reduce piracy on this thread", but you do not dictate what others are talking about, especially if your solution just seems to push piracy into other crimes.

Do note that piracy is "crime in general", and those who wish to reduce it should consider "other holistic solutions".

budaatum:
You are talking about "how to reduce piracy on this thread", but you do not dictate what others are talking about, especially if your solution just seems to push piracy into other crimes.

Do note that piracy is "crime in general", and those who wish to reduce it should consider "other holistic solutions".

Your switching from asking redundant questions to shifting goal post ok. If the criminals in question switch to land based crimes they'll have to content with security forces already on the ground. If Buhari is interested in tackiling crime he could use security vote money more responsibly. Increasing the police presence. State governments also taking more Initiative. Improving the economy would also help.

The ultimate solution is to amend the constitution to allow any tier of government to have their own police force and prisons. It also be smart to amend exclusive list item 2 and 1990 fire arms act.

Blue3k2:
Your switching from asking redundant questions to shifting goal post ok. If the criminals in question switch to land based crimes they'll have to content with security forces already on the ground. If Buhari is interested in tackiling crime he could use security vote money more responsibly. Increasing the police presence. State governments also taking more Initiative. Improving the economy would also help.

The ultimate solution is to amend the constitution to allow any tier of government to have their own police force and prisons. It also be smart to amend exclusive list item 2 and 1990 fire arms act.

You keep calling my question redundant, yet, it is what's making you delve deeper into this to find a holistic solution. Is it your position that only you is "holistic", I wonder.

This crime is not only for Buhari to solve! As you yourself point out, "State governments also taking more Initiative. Improving the economy would also help".

See here what a state governor is alleged to have done with state money, which, if true, promotes crime in that state.

As for state police, my opinion is stated here.

budaatum:
You keep calling my question redundant, yet, it is what's making you delve deeper into this to find a holistic solution. Is it your position that only you is "holistic", I wonder..

This crime is not only for Buhari to solve! As you yourself point out, "State governments also taking more Initiative. Improving the economy would also help".

Your question to me on amnesty was redundant. There's no debating that. Your erroneous claim thst strong navy wouldnt reduce piracy was debunked. Now shifting goal to crime in general since you can't defend that arguement. No your redundant questions didnt make me delve deeper. I already made threads on these topics dont give yourself credit.

Buhari is the commander in chief. These security concerns are his responsibility since the agencies answer to him. Again you do a good job restating some of my positions. Try making good points own.

You're position on state police doesn't matter to me. If you dont want in your state let the federal police protect your state. Your stste assembly may not be competent enough to write laws to reign in the executive. Anyone that wants one can should be allowed to do so.

Blue3k2:
Anyone that wants one can should be allowed to do so.

Well, as you might have noticed, Nigeria is not so lawless that "Anyone that wants one can should be allowed to do so", since we all know how that tends to end!

budaatum:
Well, as you might have noticed, Nigeria is not so lawless that "Anyone that wants one can should be allowed to do so", since we all know how that tends to end!

A professional police force would act better. Again if your state assembly are too incompetent to regulate the police dont bother. Nobody is forcing your state to establish one. It's not like the federal police force doesn't harass, extort or kill people unjustly. When these crimes happen they should be prosecuted. It's that simple.

#endsars was popular for these reasons.

Just taking a casual look at the maps shows there's a needs to do more strengthen navy. All the crime is around Rivers and Lagos. Then we should cooperate more with neighbors to keep region sage.