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Deep Dive: Modern Pirates (2023)

Film Lens

Modern Pirates
The documentary focuses on piracy in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, where armed groups, led by figures like John Togo, target oil companies to kidnap expatriates for ransom. It shows the economic motivations behind these actions, as the pirates accuse companies like Shell, Chevron, and Agip of exploiting Nigeria's oil wealth without benefiting the local population. The film captures the violent reality of this piracy, showing how it has escalated even after Togo's death, with numerous gangs continuing to terrorize the region. Additionally, the documentary places Nigeria's piracy within a broader context of global piracy, discussing the economic conditions that foster such criminal activities. It notes that in 2015, there were 73 attacks and 62 kidnappings, illustrating the scale of the issue. The film also touches on the socioeconomic disparities in Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty despite the country's status as a major oil exporter.

Why Watch

  • Meet John Togo, the notorious pirate leader of Nigeria.
  • Find out how piracy affects Nigeria's oil industry.
  • See the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in Nigeria.
  • Discover the global implications of piracy beyond Nigeria.

Did You Know

John Togo was the most wanted man in Nigeria before his death.
In 2015, pirates in Nigeria carried out 73 attacks and kidnapped 62 people.
70% of Warri's population lives on less than a dollar per day.
Nigeria produces two million barrels of oil per day, making it the sixth biggest OPEC exporter.

Perfect For

Economic inequalityOil industry insightsPiracy and crimeNigerian culture