NIMASA, Navy Foil Suspected Piracy Attack on MV Endo Ponente

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have averted a suspected piracy attack on the Malta-flagged chemical tanker, MV Endo Ponente, in the Gulf of Guinea.

NIMASA said its C4i Centre received an alert from the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG) watchkeepers at about 20:53 hours on August 28, 2025. The alert indicated a possible boarding attempt near Lome Port, Togo, at coordinates 05°10′ N, 001°23′ E.

The vessel was later tracked into Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, where it was located at 04°19′16″ N, 01°35′59″ E. In response, the NIMASA Special Mission Vessel DB Lagos, operated by the Nigerian Navy under the Deep Blue Project, was deployed to the scene.

The crew of MV Endo Ponente reportedly activated security protocols and took refuge in the ship’s citadel in line with international best practices against piracy.

NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the swift coordination between the agency, the Navy, and regional partners, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to securing the Gulf of Guinea and ensuring the safety of seafarers.

The vessel, which operates across West, Central and Southern Africa, last berthed at Kalamu port in the Democratic Republic of Congo before the incident.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola