The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) confirmed that the Togo Navy successfully foiled a piracy attempt on the oil tanker MT Endo Ponente in the Gulf of Guinea.
NIMASA’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, stated that the incident happened on Friday, 28 August 2025. He explained that the Togo Navy boarded the vessel after the attack attempt, confirmed the crew’s safety, and verified that the ship sustained no damage.
Currently, the Togo Navy holds custody of the vessel and has reported the case to the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) in Zone E. This zone, under the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security, includes Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and the Niger Republic.
Edward emphasized that the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of regional cooperation. He noted that MMCC Zone F, based in Accra, Ghana, provided continuous surveillance and shared intelligence with stakeholders throughout the incident.
He further revealed that NIMASA deployed its Special Mission Vessel, DB Lagos, operated by the Nigerian Navy under the Deep Blue Project, after the C4i Centre in Lagos confirmed the attempted attack. Authorities have since launched an investigation to identify the assailants.
The Gulf of Guinea, once notorious as one of the world’s most dangerous piracy hotspots, often saw attacks on oil tankers and cargo ships. However, stronger international and regional efforts, especially through the Yaoundé Architecture signed in 2013, have reduced successful hijackings significantly. In 2021, the International Maritime Bureau recorded a sharp decline in piracy in the region, crediting naval patrols and initiatives like Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project. The failed attack on MT Endo Ponente reinforces the region’s progress in boosting maritime security.
source:shipsandports.com.ng
