Insecurity Threatening Vessels, Crew, Lagos Port Operations — Union Cries Out

Harboursandports.com: Lagos, Nigeria – March 18, 2026: The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, MWUN has expressed concern over increasing incidents of theft at Lagos seaports, warning that porous security at quay aprons is putting vessels, crew members, and port operations at risk.

MWUN President-General, Francis Bunu Abi, condemned the latest incident which occurred on board MV ZY JU HE at EKO Support around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday. According to reports reaching the Union, five tins of paint from the vessel’s aft store and a crew member’s mobile phone were stolen.

Investigations revealed that the perpetrators did not use a ladder to access the vessel. Poor lighting around the paint store was identified as a factor that may have aided the criminals. Despite safety men raising alarms and blowing whistles, the effort was not loud enough to deter the intruders.

Eyewitnesses said the stolen items were eventually thrown into the sea as the perpetrators fled. They reportedly jumped overboard and escaped in a speedboat once the vessel’s alarm system was activated.

Reacting to the incident, Bunu described the situation as alarming, stressing that thieves now easily access vessels at quay aprons to cart away crew belongings and maintenance materials such as paints and other valuables.

He lamented that such breaches of security undermine confidence in Nigeria’s seaports, which are critical gateways for trade and national development. “Security at the ports has become porous, and this must be urgently addressed,” he said.

A statement signed by MWUN Head of Media, John Kennedy Ikemefuna noted that the Union leader made a passionate appeal to all security agencies operating within the ports to intensify vigilance and ensure that lives and property are adequately protected. He emphasized that the day-to-day running of businesses at the ports depends on a safe and secure environment.

Bunu specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to step up their commitment to port security, warning that failure to act could brand Nigeria’s seaports as unsafe for business.

MWUN stressed that the safety of vessels, crew, and cargo must remain a top priority, urging authorities to deploy better surveillance, lighting, and patrol systems to deter criminal activities.

The Union reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s ports remain secure, efficient, and attractive to global shipping lines.