The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has confirmed an attempted boarding of the Malta-flagged chemical tanker, Endo Ponente, close to Lome Port in Togo.
According to the agency, the incident occurred on Thursday night, August 28, 2025, but swift regional maritime security response has helped prevent escalation.
In a statement issued on Friday by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the agency said it received an alert from the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade Gulf of Guinea Watchkeepers. At the time of the attempted boarding, the vessel was reported to be at position 05°10’N, 001°23’E near Togo’s Lome Port.
Edward explained that intelligence from NIMASA’s C4i Centre later tracked the vessel’s position to 04°19’16” N, 01°35’59” E, within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. He added that the crew acted quickly by retreating to the ship’s Citadel in line with international best practices for ship security.
Swift security response
The agency disclosed that the Endo Ponente’s alert was immediately transmitted to the NIMASA Special Mission Vessel, DB Lagos, which is operated by the Nigerian Navy under the Deep Blue Project. The vessel was deployed to intercept and secure the distressed tanker.
Edward noted that NIMASA has since been working closely with the Nigerian Navy and other regional maritime security agencies to ensure the safety of the crew and support ongoing investigations.
Regional security cooperation
Speaking on the development, NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the incident highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
“NIMASA remains committed to strengthening security collaboration across the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard seafarers, deter criminal activity, and ensure safer maritime trade, leveraging the Deep Blue Project,” Mobereola stated.
He stressed that Nigeria will continue to engage neighbouring states to boost intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and coordinated responses against piracy and other forms of maritime crime.
A vessel of regional importance
The Endo Ponente is classified as a moderate-risk Maltese-flagged chemical tanker. It operates across West, Central, and Southern Africa, making it a regular player in regional trade. Its last port call was at Kalamu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Though details of the attempted boarding remain under investigation, officials say the ship’s safe security measures, including the use of the Citadel, played a major role in protecting the crew while awaiting military response.
The bigger picture
The Gulf of Guinea has long been considered one of the world’s piracy hotspots. However, coordinated regional efforts in recent years, supported by initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project, have significantly reduced successful attacks.
The Deep Blue Project, spearheaded by NIMASA in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, deploys air, land, and sea assets to enhance maritime domain awareness and response. Analysts say the project has been central in deterring piracy, especially in Nigeria’s waters.
Despite this progress, occasional incidents such as the attempted boarding of the Endo Ponente underline the need for continued vigilance and investment in maritime security. Experts warn that criminal gangs remain active in the region, often targeting tankers, bulk carriers, and fishing vessels.
The incident also reinforces the importance of regional collaboration among countries in the Gulf of Guinea, including Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin, whose waters are frequently traversed by international shipping.
Crew safety first
Maritime experts say the prompt retreat of the crew into the Citadel demonstrates the importance of compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The Citadel is a fortified safe room within a vessel, designed to protect the crew during security incidents until help arrives.
NIMASA has urged ship operators across the Gulf of Guinea to remain alert and comply strictly with safety guidelines. The agency also reiterated its commitment to working with regional and global partners to eliminate piracy and criminality in African waters.
For now, the Endo Ponente is safe, with regional security forces maintaining close watch as investigations continue.
