Doris Dokua Sasu
Research Expert Ghana and Nigeria
Crime and piracy in West Africa - statistics & facts
West Africa faces a trio of interconnected criminal challenges that threaten the region's stability and security. From the shadows of human trafficking to the dangers lurking in coastal waters, and the pervasive grip of organized crime, these issues paint a troubling picture of the region's criminal landscape. The alarming statistics and high index scores across various criminal activities highlight the pressing need for intervention.
Overall, as West African nations grapple with these complex problems, the international community watches closely, recognizing that the fight against crime in this region has far-reaching implications for global security and human rights.
Organized crime grips West Africa
Organized crime has a firm grip on West Africa, as evidenced by the region's high criminality score in the organized crime index. The situation is particularly dire in Nigeria, which records the highest levels of criminality in the region. The cocaine trade emerges as the most prevalent criminal market, followed closely by human trafficking and cannabis trade. These criminal activities contribute to Western Africa having one of the highest levels of criminality in Africa. State-embedded actors are the primary perpetrators of organized crime, with criminal networks and foreign actors also playing significant roles. While international cooperation shows the highest resilience to organized crime, followed by non-state actors, the region struggles with victim and witness support and crime prevention. This indicates a critical need for improved support systems and preventive measures to address the pervasive organized crime in West Africa.Human trafficking plagues West African nations
Human trafficking remains of concern in West Africa, with several countries in the region, such as Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria, scoring alarmingly high (7.5 points each) on the human traffic index as of 2023. The closer the score is to 10, the more severe the trafficking problem. The situation is particularly critical for women and children, who are disproportionately affected by this crime. Between 2003 and 2023, women accounted for more than 60 percent of sex trafficking victims in the region. Even more concerning is the high prevalence of child sex trafficking, with 42 percent of victims being minors 17 years old and younger. This places West Africa among the regions with the highest rates of child sex trafficking globally, underscoring the urgent need for action to combat human trafficking in West African nations and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.West Africa's piracy hotspot: trends and tactics
West Africa has emerged as a significant piracy hotspot in recent years, with fluctuating trends in maritime attacks. The region experienced its peak in piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2020, while 2023 saw a notable decrease. These attacks predominantly occur when ships are at anchor, as evidenced by 18 out of 22 incidents. The tactics employed by pirates vary, with most attacks involving groups of one to four individuals, although some incidents involved more than 10 perpetrators. The main deck of ships is a primary target for these attacks. Moreover, the majority of these incidents take place in international waters, emphasizing the challenges of maritime security and the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation to combat piracy in the region.Overall, as West African nations grapple with these complex problems, the international community watches closely, recognizing that the fight against crime in this region has far-reaching implications for global security and human rights.
