Second tanker hijacked off Yemen by suspected Somali pirates

Several recent incidents have highlighted a resurgence of piracy activity in the Gulf of Guinea, a maritime corridor that had seen a decline in attacks over the past decade. According to maritime security reports, multiple vessels experienced attempted hijackings in the past month, but all efforts were thwarted by onboard security teams and rapid response units. The incidents, which occurred near the coasts of Nigeria and Benin, mark the first series of coordinated attempts in the region since 2020.

Regional authorities and international naval patrols have responded by increasing surveillance and escort operations along the affected shipping lanes. Officials from the Nigerian Navy confirmed that the failed attacks involved small, fast skiffs attempting to board cargo ships, and that all crews remained unharmed. The renewed threat has prompted the International Maritime Organization to advise vessels to maintain heightened vigilance, while ongoing investigations aim to identify the perpetrators and prevent further attempts.