Tag Archive for: Pirates NSCDC]

Four Nigerian Troops Killed by Suspected Pirates

/in , /by

On Saturday, November 12, authorities confirmed that four Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD) troops were killed by suspected armed pirates in Rivers State. Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant General, confirmed that the deaths occurred in Alakiri in Degema Local Government Area and promised thorough investigations into the killings.

He said: “The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has assured that the blood of the gallant men will not be a waste. I’ll not reveal to the public our operational strategies to bring the perpetrators to book, but we are in collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure that justice is served.”

Pirates continue to operate in Nigeria’s waters despite efforts by the country’s security agencies to maintain security. Historically, attacks have mainly occurred offshore, often targeting international vessels where in recent years the aim has been to kidnap crew for ransom over product theft.

Read more about it here.

Pirates kidnap NSCDC personnel, 4 oil workers in Nigeria

/in , /by

According to news reports by various sources including Nigeria’s Vanguard newspaper, suspected pirates have abducted an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and four contract staff working at the Conoil field in Koluama 1 in Bayelsa. A Spokesman of the NSCDC in Bayelsa, Solomon Ogbere, confirmed the development, saying:

“I can confirm that we are in receipt of the report of kidnap. One of our officers and four civilians were kidnapped while heading to their location where they protect Conoil facilities. They were all in mufti while returning to their base when they were attacked. Investigation is ongoing to track down the culprits.” Read the full report by clicking here.

Of additional note on October 20, 2021, the Bayelsa state government was forced to impose a curfew and ban the use of speed boats with 200 Horse Power Engines on all waterways in the state as a response to increasing pirate attacks.

With these latest incidents in mind, alongside the recently reported killing of four pirates by a Danish frigate (read that news update by clicking here), what does this mean for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea? Our next #AreteDeepDive analyses these developments and examines the ‘so what’ for shipping operators in the region.

Follow us on social media (@areteafrica on Instagram and Arete Africa on Facebook and LinkedIn) to get an update once it is published.