r e p o r t w e e k l y · 11/27/2019 · it is recommended that vessels maintain a vigilent...

P A G E 0 1 A F R I C A R I S K C O M P L I A N C E L I M I T E D

ARC Weekly Report - 27 November 2019

Contents

Maritime Security Incidents

Lagos, Nigeria

Niger Delta, Nigeria

Benin and Togo

Western Gulf of Guinea

Cameroon to Gabon

Congo to Angola

Recent History & Trends

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Militancy, Community Conflict andIndustrial Action in the Niger Delta

9

West Africa Shipping News 10

Page

About Africa Risk Compliance

Headquartered in London, UK and with branch offices in Lomé, Togo, Cotonou, Benin and

Lagos, Nigeria, Africa Risk Compliance Limited (ARC) was established to bring together a

team of Africa experts to address challenges faced by those operating in Africa. With

roots in the security sector, our key service offering is the management and arrangement

of security in the complex jurisdictions of the nations around the Gulf of Guinea.

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Embarked Armed Navy Guards in Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana and Guinea

Armed Escort Vessels in Nigeria and Togo

K9 Stowaway Searches in Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Senegal

Underwater Dive and Cleaning Services in Togo, Benin and Guinea

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Maritime Security - Lagos, Nigeria

Analysis

Reports 21 - 27 November 2019

Current Threat Levels

Theft, Robbery & StowawaySTS and NPA Anchorage:

MEDIUM

SAA: MEDIUM

Port Area: MEDIUM

Piracy & Kidnap for RansomSTS and NPA Anchorage:

MEDIUM

SAA: MEDIUM

Port Area: LOW

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The ongoing argument of the future of the Secure Anchorage Area at Lagos continues, with both theNPA and the SAA looking for support in the Nigeiran and wider shipping community. There is a consistent threat of armed robbery and theft at all Lagos anchorages and across the port area. Ifspotted by crew and alarm raised, thieves and robbers will usually flee without altercation or threat tocrew. Terminals inside the port have poor security infrastructure, so vessels at berth are easy targets forthieves, robbers and stowaways. There are Nigerian Navy patrol vessels in the main STS and the NPAanchorage that will repond to VHF calls for assistance. It is recommended that vessels maintain a vigilentwatch, especially at night and dawn and dusk, when visibility is poor. Ships should also stow and lock awayany tools, ropes and valuables on deck.

Last Incident

To request a quote for armed guards, armedescort vessels or K9 stowaway searches,please email [email protected]

Nothing to report.

5 October 2019. Theft (unsuccessful). Secure Anchorage Area, Nigeria. A tanker was boarded by 3 persons in theprivate-run Secure Anchorage Area at Lagos. The duty officer onboard noticed the 3 persons on the forecastle andthe alarm was raised, leading to the 3 persons to flee. A Nigerian Navy patrol vessel arrived on the scene toinvestigate. Nothing was reported stolen.

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Maritime Security - Offshore and Niger Delta, Nigeria

Analysis



Delta Creeks and Rivers: HIGHBonny River: HIGHEscravos/Forcados: HIGHCalabar River: HIGHOffshore Brass: HIGHOffshore Bonny: HIGHDeep Offshore Bonny: HIGH


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There remains a high threat of piracy and armed robbery to all vessels sailing in Nigerian waters and in theNiger Delta, and all vessels operating in the area should be extremely vigilant. They should also observecommunication security and not provide any information to any unverified requests.

Last Incident

Nothing to report.

7 November 2019. Fired On. 50nm NW of Sao Tome, Sao Tome & Principe EEZ. A tanker was attacked whilstsailing through the Sao Tome and Principe EEZ. Pirates fired at the vessel and some crew took shelter in the citadel.The vessel conducted evasive manoeuvres and escaped. Vessel reported as all safe by IMB.


Nothing to report.


Maritime Security - Benin & Togo

Analysis



Theft, Robbery & StowawayLomé: MEDIUM

Cotonou: MEDIUM

Piracy & Kidnap for RansomLomé: HIGH

Cotonou: HIGH


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There have been no further attacks at Lomé and Cotonou since the attacks in early November. However, there remains a significant threat to shipping at both ports now that pirates have demonstratedtheir capability to strike at these locations. This has been reflected in the increase in vessels takingsecurity at both ports. Whilst the focus is on these two ports, the threat has also increased at other ports in the region that areoutside Nigerian waters. See post on page 6 regarding Libreville.

Last Incident

4 November 2019. Kidnap for Ransom. Lomé Anchorage, Togo. 3 armed men boarded the vessel and gunfire wasexchanged between the armed men and the embarked Togo Navy guards. 1 Togo Navy guard was reported assuffering a bullet wound to the leg. 4 crew members of 3 nationalities (Greek, Georgian and Filipino) werekidnapped.


20 November 2019. Armed Robbery (successful). Conakry Anchorage, Guinea. 5 armed robbers boarded thevessel and stole personal belongings and ship’s equipment. Vessel and crew reported as unharmed. Vessel went onto dock at Conakry port (time late report).


Maritime Security - Western Gulf of Guinea

Analysis



Senegal: LOWGuinea: HIGHSierra Leone: LOWLiberia: LOWCote d'Ivoire: MEDIUMGhana: HIGH

To request a quote for armed guards, armedescort vessels or K9 stowaway searchesplease email [email protected]

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Following the attacks at Cotonou and Lomé, there is a higher risk of attacks against vessels in otheranchorages nearby, such as Ghana. Previous incidents at Cotonou anchorage in 2018 were followed byattacks in other anchorages outside Nigeria as pirates took advantage of focus being elsewhere. There is a relatively high risk of theft, robbery and stowaways at all ports in west Africa. Conakry port inGuinea is considered to be the most "at risk" port due to a number of violent robberies against merchantvessels in the anchorage. It is possible to arrange armed guards for vessels at Conakry Anchorage.

Last Incident

3 October 2019. Suspicious Approach. 125nm SE of Tema, Ghana EEZ. A tanker vessel sailing south from Loméwas approached by 2 skiffs, noticing them from about 5nm away. The tanker altered course and the two skiffsincreased their speed and chased after the vessel. The skiffs came within 3.5nm of the tanker, but after 30 minutesof chasing, the skiffs gave up and abandoned the pursuit.



Maritime Security - Cameroon to Gabon

Analysis



Theft, Robbery & StowawayCameroon: HIGH

Eq Guinea: LOW

Sao Tome & Principe: LOW

Gabon: LOW

Piracy & Kidnap for RansomCameroon: HIGH

Eq Guinea: HIGH

Sao Tome & Principe: HIGH

Gabon: HIGH


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ARC believes that following the attacks at Cotonou and Lomé, there is a higher risk of attacks againstvessels in other anchorages in the region, especially in Cameroon and Gabon. Previous incidents atCotonou anchorage in 2018 were followed by attacks in other anchorages outside Nigeria as pirates tookadvantage of focus being elsewhere, including a hijacking at Libreville anchorage. As demonstrated by this attack, the threat of Nigerian pirates extends into Equatorial Guinea waters. Allvessels operating within 200nm of the coast of Nigeria should increase security and consider additionalsecurity measures.

Last Incident

Nothing to report.

20 November 2019. Kidnap for Ransom. 30nm NNW of Luba, Equatorial Guinea. Whilst sailing from Luba to anoffshore field, an OSV was attacked by pirates on 2 speed boats. Vessels nearby heard VHF comms from the vessel,indicating that it was under attack. At 0930hrs local, a naval vessel from Equatorial Guinea arrived at the scene andprovided suport. After the attack the OSV sailed to Malabo. 3 South Africans, 3 Filipinos and one Cameroonianwere kidnapped. Bullet impacts are visible on the vessel superstructure and investigations are ongoing.



Maritime Security - Congo to Angola

Analysis



Theft, Robbery & StowawayRep of Congo: MEDIUM

DR of Congo: MEDIUM

Angola: LOW

Piracy & Kidnap for RansomRep of Congo: LOW

DR of Congo: LOW

Angola: LOW


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The threat of piracy is low in the countries in the south of west Africa, due to the distance from the NigerDelta area. There is a threat of theft and armed robbery at ports and anchorages in the Republic of Congo and theDemocratic Republic of Congo. Angola and its ports are generally considered safe from piracy and armed robbery.

Last Incidents

Nothing to report.

13 November 2019. Theft (successful). Pointe Noire Anchorage, Rep of Congo. A thief boarded the vessel and asmall craft was seen close to the vessel’s port side. A search of the vessel revealed that two mooring ropes had beenstolen from the poop deck. Vessel and crew all safe.



Maritime Security - Recent History and Trends

Port Security Statistics

Number of incidents in last 6 months

LagosOnneDoualaPointe NoireConakryLoméCotonouFreetownMonrovia

734532111

Terminals and Anchorages with highest

number of incidents in last 6 months Pointe Noire AnchorageSTS and Main Anchorage, LagosFederal Ocean Terminal, OnneDouala AnchorageConakry AnchorageSecure Anchorage Area, LagosLomé AnchorageFederal Lighter Terminal, OnneTin Can Island Terminal, Lagos

531332212

Stowaway Statistics - Number of Incidents (based on IMO statistics)

Crew & Passengers Kidnapped

This month (last 30 days)Since start of 2019Since start of 2018

10001111

Vessels Attacked

This month (last 30 days)Since start of 2019Since start of 2018

13137291

LagosCotonouBuchananAbidjanConakryDakarLoméFreetown

Last 3 months

Last 6 months

Last 12 months

42111223

82133333

Piracy Statistics

24146341

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[email protected]

Embarked Navy GuardsArmed Escort Vessel

29

9

Incidents involving security forces and merchant vessels since start of 2018

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Success rate since start of 2018 (no crew kidnapped and vessel not hijacked) Embarked Navy GuardsArmed Escort Vessel

96%78%



Niger Delta Militancy, Community Conflict andIndustrial Action Militant Activity

To request a quote, please email

[email protected]

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Nothing to report.

Statements & Threats

Attacks

26 November 2019. A group of ex-militants have threatened resumption of hostilities in the NigerDelta within seven days if the Federal Government fails to pay the consultant handling theirreintegration programme. The ex-militants staged a peaceful protest in front of the PresidentialAmnesty Programme (PAP) office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and also insisted that governmentmust offset their four-month allowance to avert the looming crisis.

Community Conflict

22 November 2019. Opurudiegbene community in Burutu council area of Delta State was attackedby a gang who stole generators, household appliances and an unspecified amount of cash. Threechildren are also missing following the attack. According to a victim, the attackers are youngstersbetween ages 17 years and 24 years and arrived in a speed boat with sophisticated weapons andshot sporadically into the air to scare the local community.

Industrial Action

Nothing to report.

Current Militant Threat Level: HIGHCurrent Community Threat Level: HIGHCurrent Strike/Industrial Action Threat Level: MEDIUM



West Africa Shipping News Nigeria’s former attorney general Mohammed Adoke has been arrested in Dubai, according tohis lawyer Mike Ozekhome in comments to Reuters. Adoke played a key role in approving the2011 sale of OPL 245, a licence in Nigeria’s deepwater, to Shell and Eni. The ex-attorney generalwas arrested on November 11 by Interpol, Ozekhome said. Nigeria’s Economic and FinancialCrime Commission (EFCC) has attempted to prosecute Adoke for his involvement in the OPL245 case, charging him with money laundering. (Source - Energy Voice / Reuters.) The House of Representatives in Nigeria has launched investigation into ‘Deep Blue’ contractawarded by the Ministry of Transportation through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to an Israeli Firm, HLSI Security Systems and Technologies Limited, atthe cost of $195,300,000. This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Benjamin Kalutitled: ‘Urgent Need to Investigate the ‘Deep Blue’ Contract of $195,300,000 between theFederal Ministry of Transportation and HSL International Limited and the Alleged Use of the Cabotage Funds to Service the Contract.’ (Source This Day Live).

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If you wish to use the information provided in this report, express written permission must bereceived from Africa Risk Compliance Limited and Africa Risk Compliance Limited must be

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r e p o r t w e e k l y · 11/27/2019 · it is recommended that vessels maintain a vigilent...

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