Fears of piracy increase in Nigeria

Speculation continues despite new ships for Navy.

Fears of piracy increase in Nigeria

Savahna Nightingale

Analysts have predicted an increase in piracy incidences in Nigeria after the presidential elections were postponed last week.

The military said it was unable to assure security in its fight against militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

There are growing suspicions surrounding the credibility of the elections and fears that ransoms are being used to fund political campaigns, leading to an anticipated increase in offshore attacks. General elections are expected to take place in Togo, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast this year, but its Nigeria’s elections that pose the greatest threat.

“Pirate attacks are likely to rise before and after the forthcoming elections,” Cassie Blombaum, intelligence analyst at Guardian Global Resources Ltd, told IHS Maritime.

“Some politicians have been accused of receiving money from armed groups that have links to piracy and kidnapping,” she said.

To continue reading, please click here.

Source: ihsmaritime360.com