19 suspected stowaways who attempted to illegally migrate to Europe by hiding under the rudder compartments of two Europe-bound vessels in Lagos, have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy.
The arrests, according to the Navy, were made on Thursday, December 19, and Saturday, December 21, 2024.
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, explained that the Base’s Quick Response Team (QRT), deployed at ATLAS COVE, intercepted 15 stowaways onboard one of the ships, the MT KRITI RUBY on December 19, 2024 while an additional four stowaways were intercepted two days later onboard the MT MCC YANBU.
He described the arrest as part of the Navy’s ongoing effort to sanitize the maritime environment of all forms of criminalities.
According to him, “preliminary investigations revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe.
“The MT KRITI RUBY raised an alarm through the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, which successfully vectored the NNS BEECROFT QRT to intercept the suspected stowaways. The prompt response of the Quick Response Team saved the stowaways from life-threatening situations during the long voyage.
“Furthermore, the interception of the additional four suspects onboard the MT MCC YANBU was made possible by credible intelligence provided by NNS BEECROFT personnel who were deployed for escort duties on the vessel. The swift response of the Quick Response Team prevented the stowaways from being exposed to life-threatening situations during the voyage”, he stated.
Lieutenant Ibrahim emphasized that ”the effect of stowaways on maritime operations cannot be overstated, as it poses security threats to vessels and aids smuggling, piracy, and human trafficking.
“The NNS BEECROFT, under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, will continue to maintain a credible presence along Lagos waterways to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment”.
According to him, the first 15 suspected stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, on Friday, December 20, 2024, for further investigation and necessary action, while the remaining four suspected stowaways would be handed over to the same agency as soon as possible .
