Troops have reportedly prevented the hijacking of a products tanker off Nigeria.
"Heavily armed bandits" targeted the 2,730-dwt Vajara (built 1981) in the Niger Delta's Ramos River, Joint Military Force Lieutenant Commander Thomas Otuji told the News Agency of Nigeria .
"The criminals were repelled after fierce exchange of fire with our troops of the maritime component,” he said.
The Comoros-flagged Vajara is owned by Nigeria's Deep Frontline Shippers, which could not be reached immediately for comment.
Rising incidents
Piracy incidents have been increasing in Nigeria at a time when militant attacks have also targeted oil industry infrastructure.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) 's Piracy Reporting Centre describes all waters in and off Nigeria as risky.
Hijackings and crew kidnappings have been on the rise in Niger Delta areas of Bayelsa, Brass, Bonny Island and Port Harcourt.
Another attempt
Last week, the IMB reported that robbers on a wooden boat approached a products tanker at Lagos anchorage.
The pirates abandoned the effort after crew deployed fire hoses and razor wire.
