Port Police Thwart Major Security Breach in Lagos Waters
The Ports Authority Police, Western Command, has successfully prevented a potentially devastating attack on a foreign vessel in Lagos, apprehending seven suspects in a dramatic overnight operation. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. during a routine patrol conducted by the Command's Marine Unit near the Ports & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) waterfront.
Suspicious Speedboat Intercepted at Berth 12
Police operatives intercepted a suspicious speedboat positioned dangerously close to the Liberian-flagged vessel CL YINGNA HE at Berth 12. Initially, only three occupants were visible, but officers later discovered four additional suspects lying flat on the deck in a deliberate attempt to avoid detection.
The suspects were caught in the act of stretching a long bamboo pole fitted with a steel hook toward the vessel, clearly indicating an attempted illegal boarding. When questioned by authorities, the individuals failed to provide any credible explanation for their presence within the restricted port area.
Evidence Links Suspects to Recent Attacks
A comprehensive search of the speedboat revealed multiple tools commonly associated with maritime criminal activities. The recovered items included:
- A heavy iron cutter and assorted saw blades
- The bamboo stick with steel hook used in the attempt
- A ship rope and various spanners
- Screwdrivers, pliers, and a plastic bucket
- A speedboat powered by a 60-horsepower Yamaha engine
According to Command Public Relations Officer Isaac Hundeyin, this arrest aligns with recent patterns of attacks on international vessels within Lagos ports. The Command specifically referenced three previous incidents:
MV RIGI VENTURE (Hong Kong-flagged) attacked at Berth 8 of SIFAX Port & Cargo Terminal on October 21, 2025
MV GLOVIS COSMOS (Korean-flagged) attacked at Berth 10 of Five Star Logistics Terminal on November 14, 2025
CL YINGNA HE (Liberian-flagged) previously attacked at Berth 12 of PTML Grimaldi Terminal on November 15, 2025
Police Commissioner Vows Enhanced Security Measures
Commissioner of Police Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja confirmed that similarities in the suspects' modus operandi strongly connect them to the recent attacks. She revealed that the seven suspects were arraigned in court on November 20, 2025, following the conclusion of investigations by the Port Criminal Investigation Department.
Agbaminoja reassured maritime stakeholders of the Command's unwavering commitment to combating criminal activities within the nation's ports. She emphasized that the police will intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering capabilities, and enhance collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a secure and business-friendly maritime environment.
