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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 - 30 October 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 24 - 30 October 2019

Current Threat Levels

Theft, Robbery & StowawaySTS and NPA Anchorage:

MEDIUM

SAA: MEDIUM

Port Area: MEDIUM

Piracy & Kidnap for RansomSTS and NPA Anchorage: LOW

SAA: LOW

Port Area: LOW

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The Nigerian Port Authority has released a statement regarding the privately-run Secure AnchorageArea (SAA) at Lagos, stating that "Mariners are advise [sic] to Navigate freely with no cost/financialcommitment till further notice". Vessel operators using the SAA should therefore seek further guidancefrom the NPA regarding charges for the SAA, as there has been no public response to the notice by theSAA. 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.

8 October 2019. Unconfirmed / False Alarm. 11.5nm SE of Brass, Nigeria. A fishing trawler stated via VHF that itwas under attack by pirates. The trawler later stated that it had mistaken a small fast boat as a pirate craft, and wasin fact a Nigerian Navy boat. However, the Navy boat did not respond to any calls on VHF.


Nothing to report.


Maritime Security - Benin & Togo

Analysis



Theft, Robbery & StowawayLomé: MEDIUM

Cotonou: MEDIUM

Piracy & Kidnap for RansomLomé: LOW

Cotonou: LOW


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The threat of maritime crime in Togo and Benin waters is markedly lower than in Nigerian waters.However, Togo and Benin remain on the Lloyds Joint War Committee Listed Areas, and the threat doesremain. In 2018, small product tankers were targeted and hijacked at Cotonou anchorage, which precipitatedattacks on other small product tankers at anchorages across the West Africa region later in the year. Thehijack and subsequent rescue by the Togolese Navy of a small local tanker in Lomé demonstrated that thearea is still within the sights of pirates. Navy authorities have increased patrols in both ports, but bothnations are restricted by the lack of patrol craft and personnel.

Last Incident

14 August 2019. Waters between Ghana and Togo. A vessel was reported hijacked in the area between Togo andGhana. Vessel had AIS turned off and was last seen sailing west towards Ivory Coast. No further information hasbeen released.


Nothing to report.


Maritime Security - Western Gulf of Guinea

Analysis



Senegal: LOWGuinea: HIGHSierra Leone: LOWLiberia: LOWCote d'Ivoire: LOWGhana: MEDIUM

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

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The area deep offshore Ghana, Benin and Togo have seen suspicious approaches against merchantshipping over the last 2 years, some of which have also developed into full attacks. Merchant shipping thatis drifting offshore waiting for berthing schedules should remain at high alert as pirates have previousyldemonstrated capability to operate deep offshore. 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: MEDIUM

Sao Tome & Principe: LOW

Gabon: LOW


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On 24 October 2019, there was a report of a dive support vessel being possibly hijacked in Gabon waters.Vessel was moving suspiciously and not responding to VHF calls. It later sailed into Port Gentil whereauthorities boarded the vessel. It was later confirmed that both Captain and Chief Mate were sick, andthey were transferred to a local hospital, where the Captain later died. Despite Cameroon authorities providing the free service of embarked armed guards on vessels at Doualaanchorage, there remains a serious threat to merchant shipping in Cameroon waters. The threat of Nigerian pirates extends into Equatorial Guinea waters, although the local navy authoritieshave been effective in responding to piracy incidents with assistance from western naval vessels that arealso in the area.

Last Incident

Nothing to report.

13 September 2019. Kidnap for Ransom. 4nm SW of Idenao, Cameroon. Trawler was attacked by 8 pirates in onespeedboat. Crew was surprised by the pirates. 4 boarded the vessel and 1 went directly to ship's room where Greekchief engineer had stayed. However, he had disembarked the following day. The other 3 went to the bridge anddestroyed AIS transponder and stole 10 mobile phones, 1 laptop and 1 wifi modem and kidnapped 2 sailors (1Togolese, 1 Nigerian). The attack lasted less than 15 minutes. Pirates left and headed to Bakassi Peninsular.



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

20 October 2019. Theft (successful). Pointe Noire Anchorage, Rep of Congo. Thieves cut open the padlock of thepaint locker and stole a mooring rope and other ship’s equipment. No crew were injured and port control wereinformed.

4 September 2019. Theft (successful). Pointe Noire Anchorage, Rep of Congo. Unauthorised men were seenonboard a vessel by the security team. Alarm was raised and search investigation carried out, with no other intruderfound. All reported safe. (This is a late report issued by MDAT-GoG).



Maritime Security - Recent History and Trends

Port Security Statistics

Number of incidents in last 6 months

LagosOnneDoualaPointe NoireConakryLoméFreetownMonroviaAbidjan

864432111

Terminals and Anchorages with highest

number of incidents in last 6 months STS and Main Anchorage, LagosFederal Ocean Terminal, OnneDouala AnchorageConakry AnchorageSecure Anchorage Area, LagosFederal Lighter Terminal, OnneTin Can Island Terminal, LagosLomé AnchorageAbidjan Port

333332221

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

Crew & Passengers Kidnapped

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

40101001

Vessels Attacked

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

8121275

LagosCotonouBuchananAbidjanConakryDakarLoméFreetown

Last 3 months

Last 6 months

Last 12 months

41111112

82133222

Piracy Statistics

0122317

To request a quote, please email

[email protected]

Embarked Navy GuardsArmed Escort Vessel

26

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

100%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

Nothing to report.

Community Conflict

Nothing to report.

Industrial Action

Nothing to report.

Current Militant Threat Level: MEDIUMCurrent Community Threat Level: HIGHCurrent Strike/Industrial Action Threat Level: LOW



West Africa Shipping News The Nigerian Agip Oil Company has announced a shut-in of its oilfield in Aggah community inOgbia/Egbema Local Government Area of Rivers State, following pipeline leakage to forestallfurther damage to the environment. A statement from Eni, the Italian parent company of NAOC,on partly read,“NAOC got a report of a leakage from a well flow line on 14th October 2019, inthe southern part of Aggah territory, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of RiversState. The leakage was primarily bubbling of gas and sheens of condensate." Following the reportof the event, NAOC deployed containment booms around the leak spot and shut-in the well tostop the leak. (Source - Punch Nigeria). The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has signed a memorandum ofunderstanding (MoU) with Russia’s Lukoil, one of Russia’s largest energy companies. A pressstatement released by Lukoil said Mele Kyari and Lukoil’s Vagit Alekperov both signed theagreement which will see both companies potentially working together in the areas of crude oilexploration, refining, and trading. The MoU is one of the outcomes of the ongoing 2-day Russia-Africa Summit which Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is participating in, alongside othertop delegates such as Mele Kyari, NNPC’s Group Managing Director. (Source - NairaMetrics). Chevron is seeking to sell several Nigerian oilfields as part of a global drive to reshape itsportfolio as it focuses on growing its U.S. shale output, banking and industry sources said.Chevron joins rivals including Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell in a drive by foreign oilcompanies to reduce their footprint in Africa’s largest oil producer which has been mired inpolitical and security instability in recent years. (Source - Reuters). Eland Oil & Gas has suspended well operations at one of its Nigerian sites due to technicalproblems. Drilling components failed on its Gbetiokun-4 production well. The company mustnow wait for the arrival of specialist tools to get the well back up.

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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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