Ports Authority Police nabs 7 suspects linked attacks on International vessels

Operatives of the Marine Unit of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command have intercepted a suspicious speed boat positioned around a vessel.

The patrol team initially sighted three occupants on the boat and later discovered four additional individuals lying flat on the boat deck in an attempt to conceal themselves.

The suspects were also observed stretching the long bamboo pole recovered from them towards the vessel CL YINGNA HE, indicating an attempt to gain unauthorised access to the vessel. Upon questioning, the seven occupants failed to provide any credible explanation regarding their mission within the restricted port area.

A thorough search was conducted, during which the following items were recovered:

One heavy iron cutter; Two saw blades; One long bamboo stick with a steel curved hook attachment; One long ship rope; Thirty-one assorted types of spanners

Other items recovered were four screwdrivers, one pair of pliers, one plastic bucket and one speed boat fitted with a 60HP Yamaha engine

Following their apprehension, all seven suspects were transferred to the Port Criminal Investigation Department (Port CID) for discreet and detailed investigation.

Their arrest followed a pattern consistent with recent attacks on international vessels within the Lagos port corridors, including:

Hong Kong–flagged MV RIGI VENTURE (IMO 9693197) was attacked at Berth 8, SIFAX Port & Cargo Terminal on 21st October 2025 at about 0555hrs

Korean–flagged MV GLOVIS COSMOS (IMO 9707027) was attacked at Berth 10, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tincan Island on 14th November 2025 at about 0340hrs

Liberian–flagged CL YINGNA HE (IMO 9890666) attacked at Berth 12, PTML Grimaldi Terminal, Tincan Island on 15th November 2025 at about 0200hrs

The similarities in their modus operandi strongly linked the arrested suspects to the aforementioned incidents.

Upon conclusion of the investigation by the Port CID, all seven suspects were arraigned in court on 20th November 2025.

Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, assures all maritime stakeholders of the Command’s unwavering commitment to stamping out criminal activities within the nation’s ports.

She emphasised 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.