How to tackle maritime criminals with innovative solutions

With maritime crime threatening Africa’s economic stability and security, there is a heightened need for regional stakeholders and international allies to adopt a multifaceted approach that combines legal, technological and cooperative strategies to effectively combat this issue in the continent’s waters.

These crimes already pose significant threats to international shipping, regional stability and economic development, especially as these maritime criminals frequently employ sophisticated tactics that make detection and prevention challenging for law enforcement.

This was highlighted in a paper titled, ‘Understanding the Operational Strategies of Maritime Criminals in Africa’, authored by the Dean of Faculty at City University, Cambodia and West Africa, Prof. Alfred Oniye.

The paper detailed the types of maritime crimes, operational tactics of criminals, challenges faced by law enforcement in countering these illegal activities, and proposed targeted strategies to enhance maritime security in the region.

Oniye, who is the Anti-piracy Security Head of Trident Group America Inc., stated that African waters, particularly regions such as the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa, are plagued by various criminal activities, with piracy and armed robbery at sea being among the most prevalent.

According to him, these crimes typically involve hijacking vessels, kidnapping crew members for ransom, stealing cargo, as well as smuggling and trafficking, using maritime routes to transport drugs, weapons and even human beings.
Also, he noted that illegal fishing poses a significant threat to local economies, as unauthorised operations deplete fish stocks.

Highlighting the operational tactics of maritime criminals, Oniye observed that they often rely on sophisticated strategies that make detection and prevention challenging.

According to Oniye, one common tactic involves the use of small, fast boats, which allow criminals to manoeuvre swiftly around larger vessels, enabling surprise attacks.

He explained that these criminals often benefit from insider information, sometimes sourced from port workers or shipping company employees, enabling them to target high-value vessels.

Oniye also noted that remote coastal areas and unregulated ports in certain African nations serve as bases of operations for these criminals, who often work within well-organised international networks.
He further emphasised that advanced technology, including GPS and satellite communication, is used by criminals to coordinate attacks, sometimes even surpassing the technological capabilities of local law enforcement.

The dean, however, highlighted the jurisdictional challenges that make combating maritime crime in Africa particularly complex.
According to him, the transnational nature of these crimes often leads to overlapping jurisdictional authority, allowing criminals to evade justice.

Also, many African nations lack the resources necessary for comprehensive maritime surveillance and enforcement, leaving vast areas of water unpatrolled.
He also noted that corruption within law enforcement agencies further exacerbates the issue, stating that in some cases, criminals may bribe officials to avoid detection, allowing illegal activities to continue with minimal repercussions.

To address these challenges, Oniye recommended several strategic measures, such as strengthened regional cooperation through agreements like the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, which promotes joint operations and information-sharing across countries.
He also suggested building local capacity by training and equipping maritime forces with advanced technology to improve their effectiveness against maritime threats.

Furthermore, Oniye stressed the need for robust legal frameworks that facilitate cross-border maritime criminals’ prosecution, helping to bridge jurisdictional gaps and ensure criminals are held accountable.

He also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, emphasising that engaging the private sector including shipping companies and port operators, in security efforts can add valuable resources and expertise to combat maritime crime.

“Understanding the operational strategies of maritime criminals in Africa is vital for developing effective countermeasures. By addressing the challenges and enhancing cooperation, capacity, and legal frameworks, stakeholders can significantly improve maritime security and protect the vital shipping routes that underpin global trade,” he stated.