Gulf of Guinea - 2 kidnap-for-ransom attacks in 2022

90% decrease in kidnap-for-ransom attacks in the Gulf of Guinea in 2022. (Image: Risk Intelligence)

THE INSIGHT:

The overall number of attacks aimed at kidnapping seafarers in the Gulf of Guinea, both successful and failed, fell to just two incidents last year after 22 such incidents in 2021. Considering the amount of other security challenges at sea, however, these figures should not be attributed to a sustainable improvement of maritime security.

While progress continued throughout the year, anecdotal evidence suggests that illicit activities such as smuggling on maritime routes or illegal fishing may have even increased in 2022.

Whether the apparent improvements in the fight against piracy will keep the number of attacks against merchant ships at very low levels in the longer term is impossible to predict. The situation at sea is largely influenced by land-based factors in Nigeria where the security landscape remains extremely fragile ahead of the 2023 elections. Maritime operators should therefore continue to implement mitigation measures such as those outlined in BMP West Africa together with crew vigilance and regular security drills.

Naval responses to incidents are likely to remain much quicker relatively close to the coastline as coastal countries have to cope with limited naval capabilities, allowing mainly for operations close to ports and naval bases.

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.