According to stakeholders, seafarers are essential to the global economy as they operate over 100,000 merchant vessels that transport 90 per cent of the world’s trade by sea. The warning follows an order by the Federal High Court for the continued detention of 22 recently-arrested crew members and the Brazilian vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, after the seizure of 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine and the public disclosure of the crew members’ identities. Douglas Zakana, called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to shift focus from seafarers to ship owners and cargo owners in cases involving drug trafficking aboard vessels. Early reporting could prevent wrongful arrests and prosecutions of innocent crew members,” he stated. He further advised seafarers to be more cautious in choosing employers, urging them to conduct background checks on shipping companies and vessel owners before accepting employment.

Source: The Guardian January 07, 2026 10:36 UTC