NNS BEECROFT arrests 11 stowaways aboard Ghana-bound ship

The Nigerian Navy Ship NNS BEECROFT patrol team has apprehended 11 stowaways on board GWANGZHOU HIGHWAY PANAMA ship enroute Ghana.

The Base Information Officer, NNS BEECROFT Apapa, Sub-Lieutenant HA Collins, said in a statement, a copy of which was made available to Maritime Today online that the stowaways were apprehended during a routine patrol of the NNS BEECROFT team on Tuesday at about 7pm.

The statement said the stowaways, all Nigerians were discovered at ‘obscured spaces’ of the stern gate of the ship.

She stated that the Western Regional Control Center (WRCC) was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage.

“Initially, 4 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 7 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 statement said.

According to the statement, the stowaways have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols.

The apprehended individuals included Shedrack David 19yrs from Ondo State; Emmanuel Godbless 30yrs Delta State; Ibrahim Hassan 30yrs Adamawa State and Solomon Francis 21yrs Ondo State.

Others are: Bolaji Johnson 28yrs Ondo State; Samsom Aimy 37yrs Bayelsa State; Ayefuwei Collins 27yrs Delta State; Ayo Gula 28 Delta State; Jolomi Daniel 23yrs Ondo State; Abubakar Ibrahim 19yrs Zamfara State and Precious Uwalogho 30yrs Delta State.

“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 the Naval Staff , Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, towards maintaining the security of the country’s maritime domain,” the statement said.