The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft while on routine patrol has intercepted and apprehended 11 stowaways aboard a ship in Lagos.
The stowaways were arrested on Tuesday at about 7pm at obscured spaces of the stern gate onboard Gwangzhou Highway Panama, which was enroute to Ghana.
Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, said the navy’s Western Regional Control Center (WRCC) was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage.
“Initially, four stowaways were apprehended from the stern of the vessel. However, information provided by these individuals revealed the presence of additional stowaways inside the ship. Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing seven more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody.
“The individuals are identified as Shedrack David, 19, from Ondo State, Emmanuel Godbless, 30, from Delta State, Ibrahim Hassan, 30, from Adamawa State, Solomon Francis, 21, from Ondo State and Bolaji Johnson, 28, from Ondo State,” he said.
Oguntuga said others are Samson Aimy, 37, from Bayelsa State, Collins, 27, from Delta State, Ayo Gula, 28, also from Delta State, Jolomi Daniel, 23, Ondo State, Abubakar Ibrahim, m, 19, from Zamfara State, and Precious Uwalogho, 30, from Delta State.
He said the suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with established protocols.
“Apart from the stowaways putting themselves in life threatening situations during the long voyage at sea, they also present a myriad of safety and security challenges.
“Accordingly, this arrest and handover by the patrol team is an essential reminder of the critical role the Nigerian Navy plays in ensuring maritime security as well as upholding the rule of law, which underscores the navy’s unwavering dedication under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, towards maintaining the security of the country’s maritime domain,” he said.
