The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other international security organisations were currently in talks on strategic moves to combat terrorism and other criminal activities on the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

Speaking in Lagos at the opening ceremony of ongoing Regional Workshop on Maritime Border security organised by the NIS, yesterday, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, said the workshop emphasised the collective resolve of governments in West and Central Africa to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes.

Nandap also noted that the Atlantic coast of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly near Nigeria, was notorious for piracy and other maritime crimes.

At the workshop themed: “Maritime Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea.”  the NIS boss stated that maritime insecurity from illegal oil bunkering, fishing, piracy, armed robbery, and oil-related crimes was threatening vessel and crew safety, adding that these threats undermined regional stability and hinder economic growth and integration.

She said: “The theme of this Workshop, Maritime Border Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea, is apt and timely in evaluating and rethinking security under the present circumstances of evolving maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

“In addition, the ECOWAS Sub-Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff meeting was held in Praia, Cabo Verde, from February 25 to 27, 2025, to discuss critical maritime security issues in the region.

“This Workshop further emphasises our collective resolve to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes. We aim to achieve this through sound policies, capacity building, community engagement, collaboration, and regional partnerships.

“Along West Africa’s Atlantic coast, the Gulf of Guinea is known for piracy, especially near Nigeria. It spans several countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, and Ghana. Due to its offshore oil and gas reserves, the region plays a crucial role in the global energy sector.”

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, on his part, also emphasised the need to close existing gaps in the country’s financial system, noting that terrorists have exploited these loopholes to fund their activities.

Speaking to journalists at the workshop, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed that the Police have finalized plans to strengthen marine security operations.

On his part, the minister for interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the event opened, appreciated the NIS for taking the lead in the needed move to review the country’s border strategic policy.

He emphasised the importance of border security in the general wellbeing of Nigerians, while reiterating the readiness of the federal government to take difficult decisions in protecting the Nigerian border.

The gathering has in attendance, security and intelligence agent from Italy, Philippines, Mauritius, Togo, Britain, Cameroun, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Seirra leone, Sao Tome, Germany and Denmark.