The Nigerian Navy has come out to say that Nigerians and the media should be aware of inaccurate and unverified news reports on the rate of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

This was recently revealed in a statement by Commodore Suleman Dahun, Director of Naval Information, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, the reports are simply a deliberate ongoing effort to discourage maritime traffic, as well as heighten freight and insurance cost in the region, so they should be ignored.

He added that Nigerian media organisations/agencies should remain wary of any calculated attempt at tarnishing the image of the nation with such reports.

His words, “These reports are a deliberate ongoing effort to discourage maritime traffic as well as heighten freight and insurance cost in the Region.”

“A case in point is the reported hijack of a vessel, MV ODIANOSEN by a notable maritime information media source, Dryad Global which turned out to be false and alarmist.”

“Notwithstanding these alarmist reports, the Nigerian Navy wishes to reiterate its commitment to partnering with all strategic and allied partners for a safer and crime free GoG.”

“Thus, all Nigerian media organisations/agencies are please advised to be wary of any calculated attempt at tarnishing the image of the nation in furtherance of an untoward maritime agenda.”