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Gulf of Guinea Piracy Targeted at Ghana Maritime Conference

Stacey Knott

   ACCRA, GHANA - The Gulf of Guinea remains a hot spot for piracy,
   accounting for the vast majority of sea-going hostage seizures and
   kidnappings globally, according to the International Maritime Bureau
   (IMB).

   Earlier this month, 10 Turkish sailors were seized by pirates off the
   coast of Nigeria and reportedly are being held for ransom.

   This week, maritime experts and naval officers from across the Gulf of
   Guinea and elsewhere are gathered in Ghana's capital, Accra, seeking
   ways to improve marine defense and fight piracy.

   While piracy remains a serious problem, with 21 incidents reported this
   year, that is an improvement over the first half of 2018, which saw 31
   attacks. IMB says the decrease in pirate attacks follows an increase in
   Nigerian Navy patrols.

   Anti-piracy efforts

   Nigerian Navy Rear Admiral EE Aneke says Nigeria's anti-piracy efforts
   are paying off.

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