NNS Beecroft stops 9 stowaways on Spain-bound MT Lysias Vallentta

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has stopped nine stowaways including Christian Ikechukwu (32) – Imo State, Dennis Commander (36) – Bayelsa, Samson Army (24) – Bayelsa, Aribo Asiko (26) – Ondo, Shina Folorunsho (36) – Ekiti, Wisdom Egharevba (26) – Edo, Okore Precious (24) – Delta, Ndukwe Sunday (25) – Enugu, and Agor Joseph (57) – Delta, who hid on board a Spain-bound Motor Tanker Lysias Vallentta.

NNS Beecroft, under the command of Commodore Kolawole Oguntuase, who is also the Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, said it swiftly responded to an intelligence indicating potential stowaways on board the vessel on the 3 February, 2024.

A statement by the Base Information Officer, Leiutenant H. Ibrahim reads in part that: “At approximately 12:30 pm, the patrol team successfully recovered the stowaways. The arrested stowaways have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.

“The proactive detection and extraction of these individuals are commendable, preventing them from life-threatening situations during such extended voyage within confined spaces. Additionally, this action averts potential security threats to the vessel and its crew as well as mitigating embarrassing situations.”

The Navy restated its commitment to its constitutional role under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, in reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation’s economic prosperity.