The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have on June 4, 2025, firmly refuted reports suggesting that a recent piracy incident took place within Nigerian territorial waters.
According to Punch report on June 4, in a detailed statement released on Tuesday, NIMASA clarified that the attack, which occurred on May 30, 2025, was far from the Nigerian coastline and did not involve Nigerian waters or ports.
Incident Location and Vessel Details
Osagie Edwards stated the piracy incident occurred at 2°37’35”N, 6°46’47”E, 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port.
MV ORAGE FROST incident occurred 420 nautical miles from Nigeria’s southeastern coast, outside Nigerian jurisdiction.
MV ORAGE FROST, general cargo ship IMO 9797656 under Curaçao flag, is the affected vessel.
At the time of the incident, the MV ORAGE FROST had just completed cargo operations in Douala, Cameroon, and was en route to Matadi, Congo.
The vessel is known for its regular operations between ports in Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, and Benin, further distancing it from Nigerian waters.
How the incident was reported
NIMASA’s C4i Centre received distress alert at 1614 UTC via MDAT-GoG platform.
The alert reported a suspected pirate attack on the MV ORAGE FROST.
Upon receiving the alert, NIMASA immediately initiated preliminary investigations and began coordinating with relevant regional maritime security agencies.
NAMISA:s response and regional cooperation
NIMASA emphasized its commitment to maritime safety and rapid response to threats in the Gulf of Guinea region.
The agency emphasizes ongoing collaboration with Nigerian Navy and regional maritime security agencies to protect vessel crew and assist investigation.
NIMASA coordinates with Nigerian Navy, regional agencies to ensure crew safety and support piracy investigations.
Nigeria’s regional partnerships highlight proactive Gulf of Guinea security for international shipping, trade.
Setting the record straight
The agency stressed accurate information is vital for maintaining Nigeria’s maritime safety reputation and Gulf of Guinea piracy recovery.
Gulf of Guinea saw significant maritime security improvements despite historical crime hotspot status.
Largely due to enhanced surveillance, regional cooperation, and investment in maritime domain awareness,” the statement added.
NIMASA urged media and public to use verified information from credible sources to avoid misrepresenting Nigerian waters’ security.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Maritime security
Nigeria’s investments in technology, training, partnerships reduce Gulf of Guinea piracy, maritime crimes.
NIMASA stresses vigilance, cooperation among Gulf of Guinea nations, shipping firms, stakeholders to sustain security progress.
MV ORAGE FROST piracy incident occurred outside Nigerian waters; NIMASA’s response reaffirms maritime safety dedication.
The agency’s ongoing collaboration with regional partners remains vital in safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea and supporting global trade.
NIMASA urges stakeholders to stay informed through official channels and support efforts securing Gulf of Guinea waters.
