West Africa, piracy is increasing

The violent attack of a Dutch ship in late February is a clear reminder that piracy is increasing off Nigeria’s coasts. A group of insurers have just designated Nigerian and Beninese territorial waters as the most dangerous in the world, just like Somali coasts. Unlike what is happening in East Africa where ships are released after payment of ransom, cargos are stolen in Nigeria and Benin. Such acts are due to the lack of security, with oil being the most targeted cargo by West African pirates.