Abstract
International law has made it possible for both coastal and land lock states to enjoy freedom of
the high sea for the purpose of peaceful navigation and to ensure that the free gift of nature is
utilized by all nation irrespective of whether developed or not. This is made possible as a result of
the coming into effect of the international convention on the law of the sea, 1982 which provides
amongst other things the right to innocent passage through the territorial sea. But over the years
the activities of criminals especially from other Countries or State using foreign vessels to
perpetuate crimes on the high sea has made it more imperative for Coastal state to act swiftly to
curb this evil trend for the purpose of self- preservation of their territorial boundaries and their
sovereignty. One of the ways to do this as provided under Article 111 is the right of hot pursuit
which is critically analyzed in this work. This study analyses the procedural requirements of
immediacy, continuity, and proportionality in the enforcement of hot pursuit. It also explores how
differing State practices and regional enforcement models affect the doctrine’s consistency and
legitimacy. The paper further discusses the legal limitations, challenges in implementation, and
the risk of diplomatic tensions or abuse of rights. This work recommends that transfer of
technology from the developed Nations to the underdeveloped States and the entering of bilateral
agreement among neighboring States will go a long way to solving the problems by foreign Ships
or vessels whose act are deemed prejudicial to the peace and good order of a coastal state. In
conclusion, the article advocates for the reinforcement of multilateral frameworks and regional
cooperation to ensure lawful, effective, and human rights compliant application of the right of hot
pursuit in contemporary maritime governance.