Investigations into Nigeria’s port corridors have revealed that the Western Ports Authority Police Command arrested no fewer than 118 suspects and investigated property losses worth over N689 million in 2025.

The figures, compiled from crime statistics obtained from the Port’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Western Command covering January to December 2025, show that the Command sustained enforcement efforts throughout the year. However, the report also highlights a persistent challenge: losses linked to criminal activity remain far higher than what the police were able to recover, and convictions did not always match the level of arrests made.

Arrests versus recoveries

Across the period, the Command recorded a total of 90 criminal cases, which resulted in 118 arrests. While enforcement actions continued steadily, recoveries were low compared to the scale of losses.

Overall, about N689.5 million was linked to port-related criminal incidents in 2025. Yet recoveries from stolen items and related property were approximately N21 million for the entire year.

The imbalance raised concerns among stakeholders about the economic impact of crimes in and around maritime environments, and about the difficulties of turning arrests into effective outcomes in court and beyond.

First two months (January–February)
The Command recorded 17 cases and arrested 32 suspects. Property losses during the period were valued at N128.9 million. Recoveries stood at N11.05 million. The report also noted that no convictions were secured until February, when one suspect was successfully prosecuted.

March to June
Between March and June, the Command handled 22 cases and arrested 23 suspects. Losses in this stretch were over N221 million. Notably, the report stated that there were no recoveries recorded during the period. It singled out June as a particularly severe month, accounting for over N172 million in losses.

Third quarter (July–September)
Operations intensified in the third quarter. The Command recorded 28 cases and arrested 29 suspects. Losses during the quarter were about N152.6 million. Despite better prosecution results, the report said recoveries were still not recorded in the quarter. The Command secured 10 convictions during this period.

Fourth quarter (October–December)
In the final quarter, 23 cases involving 34 suspects were recorded. Losses were estimated at N186 million. The Command recorded its highest conviction rate in this period, with 19 convictions. Recoveries were limited but improved slightly, with about N10 million recovered from stolen property.

Challenges in translating enforcement into results

Although arrests were high and court charges were reportedly pursued, the report emphasised that many matters still faced delays in the broader justice process, with cases sometimes pending trial or under investigation stages.

The Command also maintained that no delays were caused by police prosecutors or defence counsel, stating that adjournments were attributed solely to the judicial system.

Commitment to stronger maritime security

Despite the difficulties in recovery and the gap between losses and what was recovered, the Western Ports Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security through intelligence-led operations.

It also highlighted plans to improve collaboration with relevant stakeholders and enhance prosecution processes to improve outcomes for port communities and reduce the economic harm caused by criminal activity in maritime corridors.