Maritime Workers Union condemns Nigerian Navy and Marine Police for failing to prevent ship assaults in ports

The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Francis Bunu, has leveled accusations of dereliction of duty against security agencies operating in the Lagos ports, citing a surge in attacks on vessels while at berth.

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According to Bunu, the security agencies have failed to provide adequate security for port waters and waterfronts, which could potentially tarnish Nigeria's reputation in the global maritime community.

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During a courtesy visit by members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Dockworkers' Day event, the MWUN leader emphasized that attacks on ships at berths are unacceptable in a regulated port environment.

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Bunu noted that the Marine Police are primarily responsible for the protection, safety, and security of vessels once they berth, as they are mandated to patrol and secure the waterfront.

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He questioned the logic behind vessels being attacked at berth, asking why foreign-owned vessels are being targeted in Nigerian ports.

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Bunu also wondered how such incidents would be perceived by the international community, given that the vessels are foreign-owned.

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The MWUN leader expressed concern that the incidents indicate lapses in security coordination among relevant agencies, stressing that the situation must be urgently addressed.

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Bunu stated that someone is certainly not doing their job, given the frequency of attacks and the lack of action by the responsible agency to stop them.

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His comments come in the wake of a security breach at the Eko Support Terminal in Lagos, where unidentified intruders reportedly attacked a vessel while it was already berthed at the facility last week.

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The incident has raised fresh concerns among ship operators and port users about the safety of vessels within Nigerian ports, according to industry sources.