The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security and protecting critical national infrastructure, warning that threats within Nigeria’s maritime domain continue to pose risks to economic growth and energy security.

The assurance was delivered during the 2nd International Conference on Maritime, Trade and Transport held in Delta State, where the agency said it was repositioning its operational units to tackle piracy, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, and attacks on offshore infrastructure.

The conference, organised by the Global Maritime Academy, brought together security officials, maritime experts, transport stakeholders, academics, and industry leaders at the Petroleum Training Institute Conference Centre in Delta State from 24 to 27 May 2026.

Why the maritime sector matters

Nigeria’s maritime sector remains central to the country’s economy, handling the bulk of international trade and supporting the oil and gas industry, which contributes significantly to government revenue.

However, experts have repeatedly warned that insecurity across waterways and coastal infrastructure continues to threaten investment, shipping operations, and energy supply chains.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant Chinedu F. Igbo said the agency recognised the growing security concerns affecting the maritime industry.

“Nigeria’s maritime space holds immense economic potential but faces complex security challenges including piracy, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and threats to port and offshore infrastructure,” he said.

He added that the conference theme, “The Maritime Sector: Harnessing the Potentials, Challenges and Future Trends,” aligns with the NSCDC’s legal mandate to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.

NSCDC outlines reform agenda

According to the Corps, its reforms are focused on professionalism, intelligence gathering, operational training, and collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.

“Under the leadership of Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi OFR, mni, the NSCDC has deepened its reform agenda anchored on professionalism, intelligence-led operations, training, and inter-agency collaboration,” Igbo stated.

He said specialised units including the Marine Unit, Anti-Vandal Unit, and Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit are being repositioned to respond proactively to emerging threats within the maritime environment.

Security analysts say improved coordination among security agencies could help reduce crude oil theft and attacks on oil facilities, which have cost Nigeria billions of dollars in lost revenue over the years.

Industry stakeholders call for collaboration

The NSCDC stressed that maritime security cannot be handled by government agencies alone and called for stronger partnerships with private operators, researchers, and international stakeholders.

“Securing the maritime environment requires synergy between government agencies, private operators, academia, and international partners,” Igbo said.

Maritime stakeholders at the conference also highlighted the need for improved surveillance systems, investment in modern port infrastructure, and stronger enforcement against illegal activities on Nigeria’s waterways.

Industry observers say collaboration between regulators, security agencies, and shipping operators is becoming increasingly important as West Africa’s maritime trade continues to expand.

Conference highlights

The conference featured technical sessions, research paper presentations, and discussions on emerging trends in maritime transport and logistics.

An induction ceremony into the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport of Nigeria was also held during the event and presided over by the organisation’s National President, Dr. Oyeyemi.

Among dignitaries present was the immediate past Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, alongside other senior officials and maritime stakeholders.

What’s next?

The NSCDC said it would continue working with maritime stakeholders to improve security across Nigeria’s waterways and critical infrastructure corridors.

Analysts believe sustained investment in maritime security and inter-agency cooperation could improve investor confidence, strengthen trade operations, and support Nigeria’s broader economic recovery efforts.

As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Nigeria Police Force has announced enhanced nationwide security deployments, with officers ordered to intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-led operations during the festive period.

The directive was issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who said security agencies are working to ensure peaceful celebrations across the country.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the police chief congratulated Muslim faithful and called for unity, peace, and vigilance during the holiday.

“The Nigeria Police Force places the highest premium on public vigilance. Every Nigerian has a role to play in keeping our communities safe during this festive season,” the statement said.

Police Increase Deployments Nationwide

According to the police, Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all state commands and the Federal Capital Territory have been directed to strengthen security operations throughout the Eid period.

The measures include the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence officers, and conventional police personnel to Eid prayer grounds, highways, motor parks, recreational centres, markets, and other public spaces.

Authorities also said visibility policing, coordinated patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance duties would be intensified nationwide.

The police added that rapid response measures had been activated to address potential security threats during the celebrations.

Why It Matters

The Eid-el-Kabir celebration typically sees increased travel, large public gatherings, and higher commercial activity across Nigeria.

Security analysts say such periods often require heightened vigilance due to crowd-related risks, traffic congestion, and the possibility of criminal activities targeting busy public areas.

Nigeria has in recent years faced security concerns ranging from kidnappings and armed robberies to attacks on public infrastructure, making festive security operations a major focus for authorities.

Public safety experts say collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies remains critical during national celebrations.

Police Ask Nigerians to Report Suspicious Activity

The Nigeria Police Force urged citizens to remain alert and report suspicious movements or objects in public places.

The police specifically asked Nigerians to report:

Unattended bags, vehicles, or parcels

Suspicious persons around Eid prayer grounds or motor parks

Unusual gatherings suggesting criminal intent

Surveillance activities targeting security personnel or public facilities

“Do not ignore suspicious activity. Do not assume someone else has already reported it,” the statement added.

The Force said emergency response lines would remain available 24 hours throughout the celebration period.

Emergency Contacts Released

The police released the following emergency contact numbers for public use during the Eid celebration:

08057000001

08057000002

09133333785

09133333786

Industry and Public Perspective

Security observers say visible police deployments during festive periods can help reassure the public and deter criminal activity, particularly in densely populated cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.

Transport operators and market associations also often experience increased movement during Eid celebrations, leading to calls for improved traffic management and public safety coordination.

Religious leaders have meanwhile urged Nigerians to use the occasion to promote tolerance, charity, and national unity.

What’s Next

Security operations are expected to continue throughout the Eid holiday period, with authorities monitoring major highways, worship centres, and recreational locations nationwide.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to protecting lives and property during and after the celebrations.

Three suspected kidnappers have been killed and an abducted man rescued during a joint security operation in Otu, a community in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, according to the state police command.

The operation, carried out on Sunday, involved police operatives, local hunters, and other security agencies following reports of armed kidnappers operating in the area.

Police said the rescued victim, identified as 50-year-old Mosudi Gbolagade, had earlier been abducted in Okaka before being held captive in Otu.

How the operation unfolded

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the incident began after local hunters on a hunting expedition reportedly came under gunfire attack from suspected kidnappers on 25 May 2026.

No casualties were recorded among the hunters during the initial attack.

Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said security teams were immediately mobilised after the distress call.

“Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire and engaged the security team in a gun duel,” the statement said.

“Through superior tactical response and coordinated effort, the criminals were successfully overpowered, leading to the neutralization of three suspected kidnappers.”

Victim rescued with injuries

Authorities said Mr Gbolagade sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and was taken for urgent medical treatment.

Police did not disclose the extent of his injuries but confirmed he was receiving medical care.

One local hunter was also injured during the exchange of gunfire and was transported to hospital.

Weapons recovered

Security operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle without ammunition, a single-barrel gun, and a machete from the scene.

Police said the recovered weapons highlighted what they described as the “violent intent” of the suspects.

Why it matters

Kidnapping and armed attacks have remained major security concerns across parts of Nigeria, including communities in the South-West region.

The Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, which shares boundaries with neighbouring states and forest corridors, has in recent years faced increasing security pressure linked to abduction, armed robbery, and rural banditry.

Security analysts say collaboration between formal security agencies and local vigilante groups has become more common in rural communities where difficult terrain can slow emergency response.

Police commend local hunters

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State praised the role played by local hunters and other security stakeholders in the operation.

“The Command therefore reiterates its unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state,” the police statement added.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and share credible information with security agencies.

Public safety concerns continue

Community leaders and residents in parts of Oke-Ogun have repeatedly called for stronger security presence in remote areas vulnerable to criminal gangs.

Experts say intelligence-sharing between residents and security agencies remains critical in tackling kidnapping networks operating in forested regions.

Analysts also note that improving surveillance, rural policing, and rapid-response coordination could help reduce attacks on travellers and farming communities.