The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said it had secured at least 20 convictions in the past one year.

All 20 persons are serving a total of 119 years behind bars with some being given an option of a fine.

The Director-General of the NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, disclosed this on Thursday at the 53rd Session of the State House Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

The DG/CEO of NIMASA who was providing key updates on the activities of his Agency said those arrested include perpetrators of poaching, piracy and other crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to Jamoh, 17 of those convicted bagged seven years behind bars each and three expatriates were fined.

However, Jamoh did not disclose the specifics of the cases or the amounts paid in fines.

With Nigeria losing $1bn annually to piracy, the DG said NIMASA is working with sister agencies and security outfits to address the menace.

He noted that since the President, Muhammadu Buhari launched the Deep Blue Project in June 2021, incidences have dropped from 34 recorded last year to none to date.

Details later…