Red Sea hostilities could disrupt global oil supply, maritime trade, Nigeria warns

Nigeria's Federal Government has voiced deep concern over the escalating hostilities in the Red Sea, warning that any disruption to navigation could severely impact global oil supplies, maritime trade, and the world economy. The government stressed its neutral stance in the conflict but urged all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

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Our operatives arrested two suspected vandals in separate intelligence-led operations carried out at Panshekara in Kumbotso Local Government Area and Yankaba in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that the current tensions, coupled with existing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pose significant risks to global energy security and international commerce. As a major oil producer, Nigeria is particularly worried about the potential consequences of blockading the Bab al-Mandab Strait or sustained disruptions to shipping lanes.

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Gath Gamaliel was found in possession of 17 vandalised railway clips at Panshekara, while Salisu Jibrin, a suspected receiver of stolen property, was apprehended at Yankaba when he turned up to collect approximately 60 kilograms of suspected vandalised copper wire.

The government highlighted that attacks on commercial vessels, increased insurance premiums, longer shipping routes, and rising freight costs are already driving up international crude oil prices. Nigeria also expressed sympathy for Saudi Arabia over attacks on its oil facilities, noting that such volatility threatens energy security and disproportionately affects developing economies reliant on stable oil revenues and affordable energy imports.

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The arrests demonstrated the command’s commitment to combating vandalism and other economic crimes that threaten national development.

While welcoming the cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran, the Federal Government called for maximum restraint from the Houthis, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States. It emphasized the critical need for safe navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the free flow of global energy supplies and prevent further damage to the world economy. The government reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and support for international efforts to reduce tensions and protect maritime infrastructure.

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The NSCDC boss urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to safeguard the nation’s critical national assets and infrastructure.