Police Arrest Seven Suspects Over Serial Attacks on International Ships in Lagos Ports

The Marine Unit of the Ports Authority Police, Western Command, has apprehended seven suspects believed to be behind a series of attacks on international vessels operating within Lagos ports.

The development was confirmed on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac Hundeyin.

According to Hundeyin, officers on routine patrol earlier in the week spotted a suspicious speedboat near the vessel CL YINGNA HE, berthed at Berth 12 of the Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited waterfront. While initially observing three individuals on the boat, a closer inspection revealed four more hiding on the deck in an attempt to avoid detection.

“The suspects were seen extending a long bamboo pole—later recovered as evidence—towards the vessel, suggesting an attempt to illegally board it. None of the seven could provide a credible explanation for being within the restricted port zone,” Hundeyin said.

A search of the boat uncovered items believed to be tools for unlawful access, including a heavy-duty iron cutter, saw blades, a bamboo pole fitted with a steel hook, ship rope, 31 assorted spanners, four screwdrivers, a plier, a plastic bucket, and a 60HP Yamaha-powered speedboat.

The suspects were transferred to the Port Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation. Hundeyin noted that their methods mirrored tactics used in previous attacks on foreign vessels in the Lagos Port Corridor, linking them to earlier incidents.

The suspects were arraigned in court on November 20, 2025, after investigators concluded their preliminary inquiry.

The Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western Command), CP Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, reassured maritime operators of the command’s commitment to eradicating criminal activity at Nigeria’s ports. She added that patrols, intelligence operations, and collaboration with other security agencies would be intensified to maintain a safe and business-friendly maritime environment.