NNS BEECROFT intercepts 19 suspected stowaways onboard Europe-bound vessels
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, has, in an ongoing effort to sanitise the maritime environment of all forms of criminalities and in support of the Presidential initiative to upscale the Blue Economy, intercepted a total of 19 suspected stowaways.
A statement by the Base Information Officer, Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that the Base, through its Quick Response Team (QRT), deployed at ATLAS COVE, on 19 December 2024, intercepted 15 suspected stowaways onboard a Europe-bound vessel MT KRITI RUBY. The QRT also intercepted additional four suspected stowaways on 21 December 2024, on board MT MCC YANBU.
According to the navy: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe. However, MT KRITI RUBY raised alarm through the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment and requested for immediate interception of the suspected stowaways.
“The Falcon Eye Alignment successfully vectored NNS BEECROFT QRT which led to the interception of 15 suspected stowaways at Lagos fairway buoy.
“On the other hand, the interception of the additional four suspects onboard MT MCC YANBU was sequel to credible intelligence availed by NNS BEECROFT personnel deployed for escort duties onboard the vessel.”
The navy added that the prompt response of the Quick Response Team has saved the stowaways from exposure to life threatening situation during the long voyage.
It highlighted the danger of the act of stowaways on maritime operations, that it poses security threats to vessels and aids smuggling, piracy as well as drug and human trafficking amongst other maritime threats.
“The NNS BEECROFT under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Admiralty Medal will continue to maintain credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to ensure a safe and secured maritime environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive,” the statement reads in part.
The navy disclosed that the first 15 suspected stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, on Friday, 20 December 2024, for further investigation and necessary action, while the remaining four suspected stowaways would be handed over as soon as possible.
