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
According to NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edwards, the piracy incident happened at coordinates 2°37’35”N, 6°46’47”E, approximately 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe.
This location is about 420 nautical miles away from the southeastern coast of Nigeria, making it clear that the event did not occur in Nigerian jurisdiction.
The affected vessel has been identified as the MV ORAGE FROST, a general cargo ship with IMO Number 9797656, registered under the flag of Curaçao.
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 Operational Centre received a distress alert at approximately 1614 UTC through the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea (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
In its official statement, NIMASA emphasized its commitment to maritime safety and swift response to any threats in the Gulf of Guinea region.
The agency highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and other regional maritime security agencies to ensure the safety of the vessel’s crew and to support the investigation into the incident.
“NIMASA is actively coordinating with the Nigerian Navy and other regional maritime security agencies to ensure the safety of the vessel’s crew and to support ongoing investigations into the incident,” the statement read.
This coordinated approach underscores the importance of regional partnerships in addressing maritime security threats and demonstrates Nigeria’s proactive stance in ensuring the Gulf of Guinea remains safe for international shipping and trade.
Setting the record straight
NIMASA’s clarification comes in response to widespread media reports and public speculation that linked the piracy attack to Nigeria.
The agency stressed that accurate information is crucial in maintaining the country’s reputation as a safe maritime nation and in supporting the ongoing recovery of the Gulf of Guinea from the threat of piracy.
“While the Gulf of Guinea has historically been a hotspot for maritime crime, recent years have seen significant improvements in security, largely due to enhanced surveillance, regional cooperation, and investment in maritime domain awareness,” the statement added.
NIMASA urged media organizations and the public to rely on verified information from credible sources before disseminating reports that could misrepresent the security situation in Nigerian waters.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Maritime security
The agency reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of its maritime domain.
Through investments in technology, training, and international partnerships, Nigeria has made notable progress in reducing piracy and other maritime crimes in the region.
NIMASA also highlighted the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation among Gulf of Guinea nations, shipping companies, and international stakeholders to sustain the progress made in recent years.
However, the recent piracy incident involving the MV ORAGE FROST, though concerning, did not occur in Nigerian waters, and NIMASA’s swift response and clarification reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication to maritime safety.
The agency’s ongoing collaboration with regional partners remains vital in safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea and supporting global trade.
As investigations continue, NIMASA encourages all stakeholders to stay informed through official channels and to support efforts aimed at keeping the region’s waters secure for all.
