The United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a maritime advisory for the Gulf of Guinea area over recent piracy and kidnapping incidents in the region. The advisory, which took effect December 20 and will expire June 18, references pirates and kidnap for ransom (KFR) groups operating off Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Sao Tome and Principe, and Togo.
MARAD reported that at least two confirmed kidnapping incidents have occurred this year and issued instructions on what a vessel should do if they come under attack in the region.