Police arrest seven over attacks on international vessels

Credit: Port Authority Police Arrests Seven Suspects Linked to Serial Attacks on Vessels At Lagos Ports | Nigeria Maritime News

The Marine Unit of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has arrested seven suspects linked to serial attacks on international vessels in Lagos Ports.

This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Isaac Hundeyin, an Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Giving details of the arrest, Hundeyin explained that earlier during the week, operatives of the command, while on routine patrol around the waterfront of the Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited, intercepted a suspicious speed boat positioned around vessel CL YINGNA HE, berthed at the Berth 12.

According to him, the patrol team initially sighted three occupants on the boat, stressing that as officers approached, they discovered four additional individuals lying flat on the boat deck in an attempt to conceal themselves.

“The suspects were also observed stretching the long bamboo pole recovered from them towards the vessel CL YINGNA HE, indicating an attempt to gain unauthorized access to the vessel. Upon questioning, the seven occupants failed to provide any credible explanation regarding their mission within the restricted port area,” he said.

Hundeyin emphasised that a thorough search was conducted, and some items, including a heavy iron cutter, two saw blades, “One long bamboo stick with steel curved hook attachment, a long ship rope, 31 assorted types of spanners, four screwdrivers, a plier, a plastic bucket, one speed boat fitted with a 60HP Yamaha engine.”

The PRO added that following their apprehension, all seven suspects were transferred to the Port Criminal Investigation Department for discreet and detailed investigation.

He highlighted that their arrest followed a pattern consistent with recent attacks on international vessels within the Lagos Port Corridor.

Hundeyin states that the similarities in their modus operandi strongly linked the arrested suspects to the aforementioned incidents.

He pointed out that upon conclusion of the investigation by the Port CID, all seven suspects were arraigned in court on 20th November 2025.

The Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, assures all maritime stakeholders of the command’s “unwavering commitment to stamping out criminal activities within the nation’s ports.”

She emphasised that the command will continue to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, and collaborate closely with other security agencies to ensure a secure and business-friendly maritime environment.

The Port Authority Police is the police formation responsible for security in Nigerian ports. The PAPC is divided into two area commands: Western Ports (headquartered at Apapa Quays, Lagos) and Eastern Ports (headquarters in Port Harcourt). The Marine Unit of the Western Command handles “waterfront patrol” and security operations up to around 12 nautical miles offshore for the Western Ports. The Marine Unit works jointly with the Nigerian Ports Authority’s security department for port security, especially on the waterfront.