95% decrease in number of kidnapped seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea in 2022

The number of seafarers who were kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea dropped by more than 95% in 2022. (Image: Risk Intelligence)

THE INSIGHT:

The number of seafarers who were kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea dropped by more than 95% in 2022 (from 68 hostages in 2021 to two hostages in 2022). While this reduction was a step in the right direction for crews on merchant ships operating in the region, it remains to be seen whether this improvement is sustainable. Vigilance and adherence to BMP West Africa are still vital precautions for operations in the Gulf of Guinea.

Overall, criminal groups maintain their capabilities to attack vessels at sea and keep seafarers as hostages. Since mid-2021, however, these groups have almost exclusively focused on crude oil theft and related activities due to skyrocketing profit margins. As the broader security situation on land remains fragile, attacks  against merchant ships remain possible at any time.

Download all 2022 annual figures:

The 2022 annual maritime security incident figures are available for download as a complete slidedeck with full analyst insights and statistics in speaker notes. Fill in the form below to access you deck.