Gulf of Guinea: Suspected Nigerian pirates attack Turkey-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Guinea, Jan. 23

Event

Suspected Nigerian pirates attacked the Turkish-flagged cargo ship Mozart in the Gulf of Guinea, Jan. 23. The attack occurred approximately 160 km (100 miles) from Sao Tome, as the ship was sailing from Lagos to Cape Town. Of the 19 crew members, 15 were reportedly kidnapped and one was killed. The suspected Nigerian pirates are waiting for negotiations for ransom.

Context

Maritime insecurity is a persistent concern in the Gulf of Guinea, and the waters off the Nigerian coast are the most prone to piracy and associated maritime kidnappings. The high frequency of kidnappings on land in Rivers State, particularly near Bayelsa, Brass, Bonny Island, and Port Harcourt, has extended out to sea. Pirates regularly target bulk carriers, cargo ships, other commercial vessels, and their crews. Maritime kidnappings in the Gulf of Guinea are typically financially motivated; foreign kidnapping victims are usually released unharmed after a ransom payment has been secured.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of caution if operating in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in waters off the coast of Nigeria. Ship operators should implement best management practices to mitigate piracy-associated threats. Companies should regularly review their ship security assessment and plan under the International Ship and Facility Security Code (ISPS), particularly in piracy-prone areas. Companies are advised to maintain strict anti-piracy watches and report all pirate activity, including both actual and attempted attacks, as well as suspicious sightings, to local naval authorities.