Rising Theft Cases Alarm Marine Workers at Lagos Seaports

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by President Francis Bunu, has expressed serious concerns regarding a rise in theft incidents at Lagos seaports. This alarm follows a recent theft aboard the vessel MV Zy Ju Eko, where five tins of paint and a crew member's mobile phone were stolen.

Preliminary observations suggest that the perpetrators accessed the vessel using a ladder, with poor lighting around the paint storage area contributing to the incident. Although security personnel were present, their response was deemed insufficient to deter the suspects, who reportedly discarded the stolen items into the sea before fleeing in a speedboat when the vessel's alarm system was activated.

Bunu has made a passionate plea for security agencies operating within Nigerian seaports to intensify surveillance and ensure adequate protection of lives and property. He warned that failure to address these security gaps could negatively impact the country's maritime business and urged the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to take proactive measures.