The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has detained several vessels for breaching cabotage regulations during a targeted enforcement operation in Nigerian waters.
On Wednesday, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA, Osagie Edward, announced that Operation Sea Guardian resulted in the arrest of vessels such as MT HOLMES, MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, JS GRATITUDE, and MT BORA in the Lagos maritime area. Some ships that have addressed their infractions have since been released.
Edward explained that Operation Sea Guardian aims to enhance regulatory compliance by verifying cabotage obligations, assessing charges, and ensuring adherence to maritime laws. Intelligence reports helped identify vessels needing scrutiny, with the operation utilising Deep Blue assets for tracking and inspection.
Collaboration included NIMASA personnel, the Nigerian Navy, the Maritime Guard Command, and C4i intelligence teams. Edward noted that vessels likely to have violated cabotage rules were included in a targeted list established during a previous operation.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, indicated that such operations will happen more frequently, warning that operators found in default will face legal sanctions. Mobereola stated, “We had earlier served notice of enhanced enforcement of indigenous participation in our coastal and inland trade, and this is exactly what we are doing.”
On August 26, 2026, NIMASA issued a marine notice urging the promotion of local capacity in shipping, restating that any party violating the Cabotage Act would face enforcement actions.
