Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said an attempted piracy attack occurred on the Malta-flagged chemical tanker MT Endo Ponente near Lome Port, Togo. The incident was reported at 20:53hrs on Thursday, August 28, 2025, according to a statement issued by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward.
The alert came through the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade (MDAT) Gulf of Guinea Watchkeepers and initially placed the attempted boarding at position 05°10’N, 001°23’E. Subsequent intelligence from NIMASA’s C4i Centre located the vessel at 04°19’16”N, 01°35’59”E within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Following the alert, the NIMASA Special Mission Vessel DB Lagos, operated by the Nigerian Navy under the Deep Blue Project, was immediately dispatched and is currently approaching the vessel.
The tanker’s crew retreated to the ship’s Citadel, following international ship security protocols. NIMASA is coordinating closely with the Nigerian Navy and regional maritime security agencies to ensure crew safety and to support investigations into the attack.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of NIMASA, reiterated the agency’s dedication to regional maritime security cooperation, emphasizing ongoing efforts under the Deep Blue Project to protect seafarers, deter piracy, and promote safe maritime trade throughout the Gulf of Guinea.
MT Endo Ponente is classified as a moderate-risk chemical tanker operating primarily in West, Central, and Southern African waters. Its last recorded port call was Kalamu, Democratic Republic of Congo.