Ports Police arrests seven suspects linked to serial attacks on vessels at Lagos ports

Operatives of the Marine Unit of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command have arrested seven suspects believed to be connected to a series of recent attacks on international vessels within the Lagos port corridors.

In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, the suspects were arrested in the early hours of November 16, 2025, at approximately 0130hrs when operatives of the marine unit on routine patrol around the Ports & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) waterfront intercepted a suspicious speed boat positioned near the vessel CL YINGNA HE, berthed at Berth 12.

According to the statement, the patrol team initially sighted three occupants on the boat but upon closer approach, they 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 vessel CL YINGNA HE, indicating an attempt to gain unauthorized access to the vessel,”

He said upon questioning, the seven occupants failed to provide any credible explanation regarding their mission within the restricted port area, after which they were arrested.

Hundeyin said a thorough search of the boat led to the recovery of several items consistent with theft and unauthorized boarding, including one heavy iron cutter, two saw blades, one long bamboo stick with steel curved hook attachment and one long ship rope.

Others are 31 assorted types of spanners, four screwdrivers and one plier, 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 detailed investigation.

According to the statement, “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) attacked at Berth 8, SIFAX Port & Cargo Terminal on 21st October 2025 at about 0555hrs.

“Korean–flagged MV GLOVIS COSMOS (IMO 9707027) 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. ”

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

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

She emphasized 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.