Sea Robbers Attack Vessel At Eko Support Terminal, Apapa Port

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has raised the alarm over an alleged robbery incident involving a vessel at the Eko Support Terminal in the Apapa Port Complex, Lagos.

In a statement issued by the union’s head of media, Comrade John Ikemefuna, the suspected sea robbers reportedly attacked the vessel MV ZY JU HE at about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Ikemefuna said the president-general of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, was informed that the perpetrators escaped by jumping overboard and fleeing in a speedboat after the vessel’s alarm system was activated.

According to the union, the attackers allegedly removed five tins of paint from the vessel’s aft store as well as a mobile phone belonging to a crew member.

“Recently, an incident of theft occurred on board the vessel MV ZY JU HE at Eko Support Terminal at approximately 0400 hours on Sunday. Information reaching the union indicates that five tins of paint from the aft store were removed, including a crew member’s mobile phone,” the statement said.

Ikemefuna explained that preliminary observations suggested that the perpetrators did not gain access to the vessel with the aid of a ladder. He added that poor lighting around the paint store area may have contributed to the security breach.

“It was clearly observed that the unknown perpetrators did not access the vessel with the aid of a ladder, while the lighting around the paint store was not bright enough, resulting in poor visibility which may have aided the criminals,” he stated.

The union said safety personnel on board the vessel immediately raised the alarm and blew whistles, but the signal was reportedly not loud enough to attract attention from nearby security personnel.

Ikemefuna further disclosed that the stolen items were later thrown into the sea when the alarm was triggered, after which the suspects reportedly jumped overboard and escaped in a waiting speedboat.

Reacting to the incident, MWUN president-general, Bunu, expressed concern over what he described as growing security lapses at quay aprons within the nation’s seaports.

He warned that security around the port environment had become increasingly porous, allowing criminals easy access to vessels where they cart away crew members’ belongings and maintenance materials such as paints and other valuable items.

Bunu, therefore, called on security agencies operating within the ports to intensify surveillance and ensure improved protection of lives and property.

He specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to strengthen patrol and security presence around port terminals.

According to him, enhanced vigilance is necessary to ensure that port premises and quay aprons remain safe for the smooth conduct of maritime and commercial activities.