Africa

Benin / Gulf of Guinea

The Gulf of Guinea remains one of the world’s most significant maritime security risk areas, accounting for a substantial proportion of global piracy‑related violence and the overwhelming majority of crew kidnappings, despite a reduction in the overall number of reported incidents since the peak years of 2019–2020. Piracy in this region differs markedly from the Somali model and is characterised by a complex mix of armed robbery, cargo theft and kidnapping, varying by location and vessel type.

Armed robbery continues to occur, particularly within territorial waters and port approaches, and is often opportunistic and violent, posing a serious risk to crew safety.  Organised criminal gangs have struck in STS areas; hijacking ships to steal cargo by lightering to smaller ships in their control. Their brutality towards ships’ crews is also matched with a high level of operational capability, including familiarity with ships' communications and cargo handling systems.

Although the frequency of attacks has delined in recent times, they remain highly violent and are primarily associated with instability and criminal networks linked to the Niger Delta. Attacks often focus on offshore supply vessels, tankers and other ships operating at slow speed or at anchor. However, it should be noted that deep‑water and crew kidnaps from transiting merchant vessels continue to occur. The persistence of these attacks underlines the ongoing threat to seafarers, despite enhanced regional naval cooperation and improved onboard security measures.

Cabo Delgado 

Security conditions in Cabo Delgado remain volatile due to an ongoing Islamist insurgency, despite the presence of regional and international security forces. While offshore shipping is not deliberately targeted, vessels calling at northern Mozambican ports or operating close to the coast face heightened risks arising from instability ashore, disruption to port operations, supply‑chain interference, and collateral effects from military activity.

Djibouti 

Djibouti remains comparatively stable and continues to play a key role in regional maritime security at the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait. However, its strategic location adjacent to areas of active conflict exposes shipping to indirect risks, including heightened military activity, geopolitical tensions, and spillover from instability in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. Disruption to navigation or port operations cannot be ruled out in the event of regional escalation.

Libya

Libya remains politically fragmented with no unified national security forces and only limited central control. While the 2020 ceasefire continues to restrain large‑scale conflict, the security situation is volatile, with intermittent militia clashes, particularly in Tripoli and Benghazi. Merchant shipping is not deliberately targeted; however, vessels calling at Libyan ports face ongoing risks from collateral damage, sudden port restrictions, enhanced inspections, detention, and disruption arising from militia activity, shifting local authority controls and rapidly changing security conditions.

Nigeria

Nigeria has made significant progress in reducing piracy and armed robbery incidents through enhanced naval capability and regional cooperation. Nevertheless, risks to shipping persist, particularly in port approaches, anchorages and offshore oil‑related areas. These risks arise from criminal activity, militant violence linked to the Niger Delta, and the potential for kidnapping, theft, or disruption, rather than deliberate targeting of international merchant shipping.

Somalia

Following a prolonged period of reduced activity, piracy off Somalia and in the wider western Indian Ocean has shown signs of resurgence. Armed groups retain the capability to conduct long‑range attacks, including hijackings, using motherships and small craft. Vessels transiting the Somali Basin and adjacent waters face continuing risks of piracy, detention, and crew harm, particularly where protective measures are limited.

Sudan

Sudan remains in a state of active internal conflict, with fighting between rival armed forces creating severe instability across much of the country. While Red Sea ports have generally remained operational, the security situation is unpredictable and subject to rapid deterioration. Merchant shipping faces risks from port disruption, military activity, detention, and collateral damage, as well as broader geopolitical tensions affecting the Red Sea region.

Togo

Togo’s waters form part of the wider Gulf of Guinea risk area. Although regional naval cooperation has reduced successful piracy incidents in recent times, opportunistic armed robbery and attempted attacks continue to occur, particularly near anchorages and port approaches. The risk to shipping is primarily from criminal activity and sudden security incidents rather than sustained or organised targeting of merchant vessels.

Persian/Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Southern Red Sea

This region continues to present a extremely heightened and volatile risk environment for merchant shipping, driven by the ongoing regional conflict, state‑on‑state tensions and the activity of non‑state armed groups. The Persian/Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman remain exposed to the risk of military escalation, including missile and drone attacks, interference with navigation systems, and the potential disruption or closure of key chokepoints, notably the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remain sensitive due to the persistent risk of politically motivated attacks on shipping linked to regional conflicts, alongside ongoing concerns regarding GNSS interference and collateral damage from military activity. The security situation remains unpredictable and capable of deteriorating at short notice.

In the wider Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, piracy and armed robbery risks have re‑emerged after a prolonged period of relative suppression. Armed groups retain the capability to conduct opportunistic and, in some cases, long‑range attacks against vulnerable vessels, including hijacking and kidnapping for ransom. Although incidents remain sporadic, the convergence of piracy, regional instability and reduced freedom of navigation continues to pose a material risk to vessels transiting or operating in these waters.