Pirate Attacks On the Rise in Nigerian Waters

Pirate attacks in the waters of Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria, have surged in recent weeks, linked to a decline in general security in the southern oil-producing region. A leading international worker’s union wants the waters to be declared a war zone. For VOA, Sarah Simpson has more from Lagos.

The pirates attacked at night, their speedboat roaring out of the waves firing their AK-47s. The crew realized they were under attack when their trawler was peppered with a hale of bullets.


One bullet hit the ship’s cook, passing right through his belly as he lay on his bunk below decks. The pirates clambered aboard, hitting the crew with the rifle butts and machetes, demanding cash said the captain, who asked only to be identified as Johnson.

“They got us at about 1.30 a.m., they came on board, they came with a speed boat, nine of them all armed. They came looking for money,” he said.

While the chef writhed in agony, the pirates ate the food the he had earlier prepared, slept, and looted the ship of anything of value, including the captain’s shoes.

Pirate attacks have peaked in recent weeks with fishermen subjected to unprecedented levels of violence, says a trawler company manager who asked only to be identified as Victor.

Voice of America (with audio)