In a bid to rid the nations ports of criminal elements, and ensure seamless services at the nation’s ports, the Port Authority Police, Western Command arrests seven suspects linked to serial attacks on international vessels in Lagos ports, just as AIG Marine, Chinedu Oko and CP Port Police, Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja visit NIMASA and the Nigeria Immigration Service on inter-agency collaboration
Operatives of the Marine Unit, Western Command of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Police intercepted a suspicious speed boat positioned around vessel CL YINGNA HE on Berth 12, while on routine patrol around the Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) waterfront.
The patrol team initially sighted three occupants on the boat, but as the men and officers approached, they discovered four additional persons lying flat on the boat deck in an attempt to hide. It was also observed that the suspects were stretching the long bamboo pole recovered from them towards 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.
When a thorough search was conducted, several items were recovered including one heavy iron cutter, two saw blades, one long bamboo stick with steel curved hook attachment, one long ship rope and 31 different types of spanners, four screwdrivers, one plier, one plastic bucket and a speed boat fitted with a 60HP Yamaha engine
Following their arrest, which followed a pattern consistent with recent attacks on international vessels within the Lagos port corridors all seven suspects were transferred to the Port Criminal Investigation Department (Port CID) for investigation.
Earlier attacks include those on Hong Kong–flagged MV RIGI VENTURE (IMO 9693197) attacked at Berth 8, SIFAX Port and Cargo Terminal on October 21, 2025 at 0555 hours; Korean-flagged MV GLOVIS COSMOS (IMO 9707027) attacked at Berth 10, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tincan Island on November 14, 2025 at 0340 hours and Liberian-flagged CL YINGNA HE (IMO 9890666) attacked at Berth 12, PTML Grimaldi Terminal, Tin Can Island on November 15, 2025 about 0200 hours.
The similarities in their modus operandi strongly linked the arrested suspects to the aforementioned incidents and upon conclusion of the investigation by the Port CID, all seven suspects were arraigned in court on November 20, 2025.
Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, assured all maritime stakeholders of the Command’s unwavering commitment to stamping out criminal activities within the nation’s ports. She emphasized 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.
Also, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime, AIG Chinedu Oko and the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja visited the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola on November 17, 2025 at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
The visit formed part of ongoing collaborative engagements aimed at strengthening maritime security architecture, enhancing port efficiency and improving inter-agency cooperation within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Speaking, Oko emphasized the strategic importance of a unified security framework in safeguarding Nigeria’s coastal waters, port facilities, and critical maritime assets, while commended NIMASA for its continuous efforts in maritime safety regulation, capacity development and the Deep Blue Project, noting that sustainable cooperation between law enforcement and maritime regulators remains essential for safe and efficient maritime operations.
On her part, Agbaminoja reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to providing robust security support across the nation’s port corridors including Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal and the Command’s marine unit responsible for patrols up to 12 nautical miles from the ports.
In a statement made available to journalists by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, Apapa, Lagos, Isaac Hundeyin, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), she (Agbaminoja) expressed readiness to deepen operational synergy with NIMASA to curb maritime crimes, facilitate trade and guarantee the security of vessels, cargo and port users.
Responding, Mobereola highlighted the Agency’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in the areas of intelligence sharing, joint operations, capacity building, and maritime domain awareness. He stressed that efficient maritime security is fundamental to Nigeria’s economic stability, port competitiveness, and global reputation.
The visit concluded with both parties agreeing on the need for continuous engagement, operational synchronization, and strategic partnerships to bolster national maritime security and enhance service delivery across the maritime sector.
In continuation of her visits, Agbaminoja also extended collaborative efforts to the Controller of Immigration, Lagos Seaport and Marine Command, Comptroller Clementina O. Ogbudu at the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
The visit was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration, enhancing operational synergy, and deepening the existing working relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Agbaminoja stressed the strategic importance of the Lagos maritime corridor to national security and economic stability. She noted that effective policing of the ports requires seamless cooperation with the NIS, particularly in the areas of migration management, port access control, crew documentation and intelligence sharing.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command to partner with all relevant agencies to improve port security, facilitate trade, and promote efficiency at the nation’s gateways.
Responding, Comptroller Ogbudu, commended the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command for its continuous support in maintaining orderliness within the port environment. She reiterated the dedication of the Lagos Seaport and Marine Command to sustained cooperation, stressing that enhanced synergy between both agencies will significantly minimize security breaches, strengthen border control measures, and support the Federal Government’s drive toward safer and more efficient ports.
Both leaders discussed areas of mutual interest, including joint patrols, training opportunities, intelligence collaboration and the need for a unified approach in tackling transnational crimes such as human smuggling, stowaway incidents, trafficking in persons and illicit maritime activities.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment by both agencies to work more closely in protecting Nigeria’s maritime borders and ensuring a secure, orderly and business-friendly port environment.
