Maritime Piracy And Terrorism

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

The rapid increase of maritime piracy has evoked renewed attention in recent times according to 2010 official report by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). The activities of pirates which concentrated in Asia has extended significantly to Somali and Nigeria waterways; owing to a combination of factors which include, the impact of globalization, which has led to global trade and commerce, technological advancement, weapons proliferation and terrorism. According to Article 101 of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) , piracy is defined as any illegal acts of aggression or incarceration, or any act of destruction committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of private ship or a private aircraft, and directed: (1) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship or aircraft; (2) Against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside jurisdiction of any state; b) Any act of intentional participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft. C) Any acts of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).A further definition given by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), view piracy as an act of boarding any vessel with the aim of committing theft or any other crime and with the intent or capability of using force in the realization of the act”. Based on reports from the IMB statistics Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships Annual Reports, there were a total of 1,434 incidents of piracy in Africa between 2003 and 2011 (Jose, 2003; Onuoha, 2012). Beginning from 2007, the number of attacks has been on the increase. The study seeks to appraise maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria. A case study of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increase of piracy in the Nigerian water ways has constitute a major challenge to the free flow of trade and development of commercial activities in Nigeria. Since 2007, the number of attacks has been on the increase. These pirates are known to be violent and armed with sophisticated arms and weapons like AK-47s. They use speedboats to attack and dispossess crew of cash, cargo and valuables, when the vessel is at anchor or in harbor, but mostly close to shore (Simpson, 2009; Abdullahi, 2010). Malaquais (2012). They are also involved in the sophisticated operations of illicit taking of oil and selling it at the black market.

The problem confronting the study is to appraise maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria. A case study of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The Main Objective of the research is to appraise maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria. A case study of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi;

The specific objectives include

To determine the nature of maritime piracy and terrorism.

To determine the level of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria.

To determine the role of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi in curbing the activities of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the nature of maritime piracy and terrorism?

What is the level of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria?

What is the role of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi in curbing the activities of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria?

1.5 Statement of the Hypothesis

The statement of the hypothesis for the study is stated in Null as follows

HO The level of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria is low.

HO The role of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi in curbing the activities of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria is not effective.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The research proffers an appraisal of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria. A case study of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi. It provides relevant data for the effective formulation and implementation of policies to enhance the realization of envisaged objective.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The research proffers an appraisal of maritime piracy and terrorism in Nigeria. A case study of NN Jubilee Ikot Abasi.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Maritime Piracy Defined

piracy is defined as any illegal acts of aggression or incarceration, or any act of destruction committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of private ship or a private aircraft, and directed: (1) on the high seas, against another ship or aircraft, or against persons or property on board such ship or aircraft; (2) Against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside jurisdiction of any state; b) Any act of intentional participation in the operation of a ship or of an aircraft with knowledge of facts making it a pirate ship or aircraft. C) Any acts of inciting or of intentionally facilitating an act described in subparagraph (a) or (b).