Increased Threat to West Africa Shipping

Armed hijackers pose a growing threat off Nigeria’s oil-rich coast, where commercial ships do not enjoy the protection of naval security that has dramatically reduced Somali piracy on the other side of Africa

Pirates pose complex, increasing threat to West African shipping

Armed hijackers pose a growing threat off Nigeria’s oil-rich coast, where commercial ships do not enjoy the protection of naval security that has dramatically reduced Somali piracy on the other side of Africa.

The Gulf of Guinea region, which includes Nigeria, is an increasingly important source of oil, cocoa and metals for world markets, although international navies are not actively engaged in counter-piracy missions in the region at present.

Unlike waters off Somalia and the Horn of Africa, where ships can transit past at high speed with armed guards on board, many vessels are forced to……[access full article]