The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command has arrested seven individuals allegedly linked to recent attacks on international vessels operating within Lagos port corridors. The arrests were made during a routine patrol on 16 November 2025, at approximately 0130 hours, near the Ports & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) waterfront.
Operatives of the Marine Unit intercepted a suspicious speed boat near the Liberian-flagged vessel CL YINGNA HE, berthed at Berth 12. Initially, three individuals were seen aboard, while four others were discovered lying flat on the boat deck, apparently attempting to conceal themselves.
The suspects were observed stretching a long bamboo pole toward the vessel, indicating an attempt to gain unauthorized access. When questioned, the seven individuals failed to provide any credible explanation for their presence within the restricted port area.
During a thorough search, police recovered a range of tools and equipment, including a heavy iron cutter, saw blades, a bamboo stick with a steel hook, a long ship rope, thirty-one assorted spanners, screwdrivers, a plier, a plastic bucket, and a speed boat fitted with a 60HP Yamaha engine.
Authorities noted that the arrested suspects’ activities mirrored the modus operandi of recent attacks on international vessels, including the Hong Kong-flagged MV RIGI VENTURE at Berth 8, SIFAX Port & Cargo Terminal on 21 October, the Korean-flagged MV GLOVIS COSMOS at Berth 10, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tincan Island on 14 November, and the Liberian-flagged CL YINGNA HE at Berth 12, PTML Grimaldi Terminal on 15 November.
Following their apprehension, the seven suspects were transferred to the Port Criminal Investigation Department (Port CID) for detailed investigation.
The investigation confirmed the suspects’ involvement in the aforementioned attacks, leading to their arraignment in court on 20 November 2025.
CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s ports. She emphasized that the Command would continue to intensify patrols, enhance intelligence gathering, and collaborate with other security agencies to maintain a safe and business-friendly maritime environment.
“The Ports Authority Police (Western) Command remains steadfast in stamping out criminal activities within the nation’s ports,” CP Agbaminoja said. “We are determined to safeguard maritime stakeholders and ensure secure trade operations across all ports under our jurisdiction.”
ASP Isaac Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer for the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and pledged continued vigilance in the protection of Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
