An appraisal of the legal framework for combating piracy and other illegal maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea – a case study of Nigeria

This article appraises the current international and domestic legal framework for the punishment and prosecution of piracy and other illegal maritime activities, with specific reference to Nigeria. Having analysed the dynamics of the scourge in the Gulf of Guinea, the discussion is narrowed down to an examination of the piracy facts and figures for the Nigerian coasts. It argues that the extant framework is grossly inadequate and therefore it calls for intensified efforts at all levels to establish comprehensive and effectual legal frameworks for the criminalisation and punishment of piracy and similar acts.