Robbery - Lagos Anchorage, Nigeria

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

20 October 2025, 02:50 UTC

Location:

Lagos Anchorage, Nigeria

Latitude/Longitude: 

6° 24' 4.20" N, 3° 23' 60.00" E

Vessel Type, Name, Flag, IMO and Status:

Container Ship, Underway

Incident Type:

Robbery

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

On October 20, 2025, at 02:50 UTC, an attempted robbery occurred aboard a Container Ship while underway in Lagos Anchorage, Nigeria. A single robber attempting to board the vessel was spotted by the duty crew, resulting in the perpetrator's escape. The incident was promptly reported to Port Control.

Response Actions

- Security Incident Reported
- Local Maritime Authority

Stolen items

- None

Key findings

This incident demonstrates the ongoing risk of opportunistic robberies in Nigerian waters, particularly in anchorage areas where vessels are more vulnerable. The attempted boarding during nighttime hours is a common tactic employed by criminals in the region. The swift detection by the duty crew highlights the importance of maintaining vigilant watch schedules, especially in high-risk areas. The robber's quick retreat upon discovery suggests this was likely an opportunistic attempt rather than a well-organized operation, which is typical for petty thefts in anchorages.

Recommendations

- Maintain heightened vigilance with additional lookouts when anchored or underway in Nigerian waters

- Ensure proper lighting and utilize night vision equipment to enhance detection capabilities

- Conduct regular security drills to improve crew readiness for rapid response to boarding attempts

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