Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: maritime security

  • Nigerian Navy Heightens Maritime Surveillance to Combat Crude Oil Theft

    Nigerian Navy Heightens Maritime Surveillance to Combat Crude Oil Theft

    The Nigerian Navy has deployed high-speed interceptor boats and drone technology to the Niger Delta to intensify operations against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism that continue to drain foreign exchange earnings.

    The Chief of Naval Staff said the new assets will provide real-time surveillance for remote creeks and offshore assets, cutting response time and tightening control of maritime corridors.

    The Navy also announced a collaboration framework with private security firms and local communities to improve intelligence and disrupt the logistics chains that support illegal refining.

    Echotitbits take: Crude oil theft remains one of Nigeria’s biggest revenue leakages. Drone-led surveillance can change the game, but the real test is whether enforcement reaches the high-level ‘godfathers’ behind the theft—not only the foot soldiers in the creeks.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/navy-backs-fgs-2-5mbpd-oil-projection-by-2027/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    Customs and NDLEA intercept cocaine consignment at Apapa port in joint operation

    In a report by Punch, the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA say they intercepted 30.1kg of cocaine concealed on a vessel at Greenview Terminal, Apapa Port, during a joint operation.

    Authorities said the drugs were packaged in slabs and hidden on board, describing the seizure as part of tightened surveillance at Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

    The bust adds to concerns about maritime smuggling routes and the need for stronger profiling, scanning coverage, and intelligence-led interdiction across port corridors.

    Echotitbits take: Expect follow-up disclosures on arrests, consignee/handler trails, and prosecution. The bigger watch item is whether joint interdiction becomes routine—backed by improved scanning capacity and sustained intelligence-sharing.

    Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/customs-ndlea-seize-30-1kg-cocaine-at-apapa-port/)

    The Punch January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Massive Cocaine Haul Intercepted at Apapa Port on Marshall Islands Vessel

    Massive Cocaine Haul Intercepted at Apapa Port on Marshall Islands Vessel

    According to The Guardian Nigeria, a joint operation by the Nigerian Customs Service and the NDLEA led to the seizure of 30.1kg of cocaine at the Apapa Port in Lagos. The illicit substance was discovered aboard a vessel flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, hidden within a specialized compartment.

    The interception is being hailed as a major victory in the ongoing war against international drug trafficking syndicates using Nigerian ports as transit hubs. Security agencies have already commenced a deep forensic investigation into the ship’s manifest and the identities of those involved in the logistics chain.

    Vanguard supported this report, highlighting that ‘Customs and NDLEA are stepping up vigilance at maritime gateways’ following several high-profile busts. BusinessDay also cited the development, quoting officials who noted that ‘illicit trade must be shunned’ to protect Nigeria’s international trade reputation.

    Echotitbits take: The use of a foreign-flagged vessel suggests a sophisticated international ring. While the seizure is commendable, the real challenge lies in prosecuting the high-level financiers behind these shipments, who often hide behind layers of corporate shell companies.

    Source: Vanguard — https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/customs-ndlea-intercept-30-1kg-cocaine-on-marshall-islands-flagged-vessel-at-lagos-port/amp/
    Vanguard January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Iran brands Royal Canadian Navy a ‘terror group’ in new diplomatic escalation

    Iran brands Royal Canadian Navy a ‘terror group’ in new diplomatic escalation

    2025-12-31 10:03:00

    In a report published by PUNCH, Iran has designated the Royal Canadian Navy as a terrorist organisation, a move that escalates Tehran’s standoff with Ottawa amid reciprocal sanctions and security disputes.

    The designation is likely to inflame diplomatic relations and could have downstream implications for maritime cooperation, travel advisories and sanctions enforcement involving Iranian entities.

    Canadian officials have not signalled any policy reversal, but analysts say the rhetoric could harden positions on both sides as 2026 begins.

    Malay Mail reported “Iran designates Royal Canadian Navy a terrorist organisation,” while Lethbridge News Now said Iran “designated Canada’s navy a terrorist organisation” in retaliation.

    Echotitbits take: Labeling a foreign navy as ‘terrorist’ is a high‑octane messaging tool with real legal and security implications. Watch for allied responses, changes to maritime posture, and whether this spills into Iran’s wider disputes with Western partners.

    Source: caspianpost — December 30, 2025 (https://caspianpost.com/iran/iran-designates-royal-canadian-navy-a-terrorist-organization)

    caspianpost December 30, 2025

    Photo Credit: caspianpost

  • Trump Sends U.S. Forces to Ecuador in Expanded Anti-Drug Cooperation

    Trump Sends U.S. Forces to Ecuador in Expanded Anti-Drug Cooperation

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    Vanguard reports that the United States is deploying military personnel to Ecuador as part of a renewed anti-narcotics push, reflecting a broader security strategy in the Americas.

    The report indicates the deployment would support joint operations, surveillance, and logistics in collaboration with Ecuadorian forces.

    Officials say the arrangement is time-bound, with the stated aim of disrupting trafficking routes and strengthening maritime and air interdiction.

    Dawn, citing AFP, reported that the mission would be a “temporary operation” alongside Ecuadorian forces. (Dawn/AFP)

    Barron’s, also carrying the AFP account, described the move as part of intensified U.S. drug interdiction efforts in the region. (Barron’s/AFP)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: While far from Nigeria geographically, U.S. interdiction shifts can affect global trafficking patterns and enforcement priorities—sometimes displacing routes. Watch for whether West African transit corridors see knock-on effects as pressure increases in Latin America.

    Source: Vanguard — December 18, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/trump-deploys-military-to-ecuador-for-anti-drugs-operation/)

    Photo credit: Vanguard News

  • Ukraine says Russian drone hit Turkish vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt

    Ukraine says Russian drone hit Turkish vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt

    Photo Credit: Explosion from the Turkish ship allegedly attacked by Russian drone – CNN
    2025-12-14

    According to The Punch, Ukraine accused Russia of striking a Turkish vessel with a drone in the Black Sea, saying the ship was on a civilian voyage carrying sunflower oil to Egypt.

    The report said Ukrainian officials framed the incident as an attack on civilian shipping, potentially raising risks for maritime trade in the region.

    Reuters reported Ukraine’s navy said Russia attacked a civilian Turkish ship and that it was carrying sunflower oil to Egypt.

    Al Arabiya also reported Ukraine’s account and quoted claims that Russia delivered a targeted strike using a drone.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This allegation keeps Black Sea shipping risk elevated, affecting insurance, routing and commodity price expectations. Watch for Turkey’s official response, any maritime advisories, and whether commercial operators adjust schedules or require enhanced protections.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-drone-strike-on-turkish-ship/)

  • US Seizes Nigerian-Owned Supertanker Over Alleged Crude Theft

    US Seizes Nigerian-Owned Supertanker Over Alleged Crude Theft

    Photo Credit:Vanguard

    The United States Coast Guard, working with the US Navy, has intercepted a Nigerian‑owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy and other transnational crimes. The Very Large Crude Carrier, reportedly linked to Nigeria‑based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd. but registered to a Marshall Islands company, was said to be flying Guyana’s flag without authorisation at the time of seizure.

    US security sources indicated that the operation was conducted under American law‑enforcement authority, with investigations extending to suspected drug‑trafficking and money‑laundering networks. Nigerian maritime experts say the incident raises serious questions about the country’s port‑state control regime and the broader impact of crude theft, which observers estimate costs Nigeria billions of dollars annually.

    Source: Vanguard – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Vanguard – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12