Maritime Agencies
Don’t Rush To Publish Stories And Offend Cybercrime Laws, Experts Urge Journalists.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Journalists have been enjoined to properly sieve whatever they dish out to the reading public in the name of breaking news before rushing to press to avoid infringing upon cyber-bullying laws.
Superintendent of Police Abubakar Smart, Acting Assistant Director, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, dropped the caution in Lagos, Thursday, during a cybercrime awareness seminar for journalists put together by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
While urging journalists to be disciplined and mindful of their choice of words, he reminded them about the old dictum which says the pen is mightier than the sword.
Smart described cybercrime as any criminal activity done on the cyber space in any social media platform.
These include what he referred to as bullying and stalking. Others are fraud, identity theft and phishing.
“What strikes the mind of people when we talk of cybercrime is internet fraud but it is more than that.
“Today, it has become a global threat due to the way we use digital technology, the nature of our work and the way we interact online.”
He referred to the Cybercrime Act of 2015 as amended and charged members of the press to be well-informed about the provisions which include punishment for infraction arising from how journalists present and publish their stories whether online or otherwise. He asked the press to always be on the path of safety and self-caution so as not to fall victim.
“The punishment for cybercrime can be up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to millions of Naira, asset forfeiture.”
According to him, journalists should always familiarize themselves with regulatory agencies responsible for ensuring that the cyber space is free.
These agencies include the National Cybercrime Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and others.
In his intervention, Dr Layinka Adagun of the Mass Communication Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, advised journalists to avoid the urge to break news without doing due diligence as this could predispose them to offend exant laws bordering on cybercrime.
Dr Adagun, a former MARAN member, urged journalists to avoid desperation but tarry and confirm exclusive stories before publication to avoid cyber-bullying.
Dr Adagun said the internet has become a global tool for everything including a channel for freedom of expression.
“But sadly, the freedom that the internet depicts is now being attacked and users intimidated.”
“We all need to safeguard our access and activities on the electronic highway,” he warned.
Through a combination of individual awareness, organisational measures and technological solutions, he explained, cybercrime could be avoided, reduced or eliminated.
“Some strategies are to educate ourselves on cybercrime, use strong passwords, be cautious with links and attachments, keep software up-to-date, and implement cyber security policies,” he concluded.
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her determination to maintain an enviable record of a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, the The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a total of N154.3billion last October.
The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership has also experienced sterling performances in other areas of operations following the introduction of B’Odogwu,the Unified Customs Management System software platform.
According to a release by Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command image maker, the October record shows the second highest revenue generation in a couple of months.
It is recalled that in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation so far, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Onyeka said the revenue breakthrough was attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, a homegrown initiative which has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.”
In August, the Command realized a total of ₦159 billion, an achievement for which officers and men earned special commendation from the CAC. He also gave kudos to stakeholders for displaying heightened commitment in efforts to keep the Command on top of her game.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for his massive encouragement and recognition of the efforts of the Command.
The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
MAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
MAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
Customs Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
PTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
Apapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
BADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
OCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
OTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
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WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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