Navy arrests 14 stowaways onboard vessel in Lagos

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS BEECROFT have arrested 14 stowaways on board a motor tanker UOG CONSTANTINE at Lagos Roadstead.

Commander NNS BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander Of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga who disclosed this in a statement said the stowaways were arrested on Friday, 15 December 2023.

Commodore Oguntuga, in the statement signed by Base Information Officer, NNS Beecroft, Sub- Lieutenant Happiness Collins on Tuesday said the timely action was prompted by intelligence received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.

He said tactical teams swiftly boarded the vessel and discovered movements within the rudder compartment.

The individuals arrested include Osas Nusakare (45, Edo State); Okechi Chika (44, Abia State); Stephen Mmuta (35, Imo State); Ibrahim Hassan (30, Adamawa); Ebuka Onura (22, Enugu State) and Emmanuel Godbless (30, Delta State).

Others are Ayefuwe Collins (27, Delta State); Victor Egoma (35, Edo State)
Alfred Ese (32, Delta State); Abbubakar Ibrahim (20, Zamfara State); Godspower Moses (21, C/Rivers State); Aki Opeoluwa (33, Ogun State); Okonkwo Gift (25, Enugu State) and
Oluwa Tosin Sunday (40, Ondo State).

Oguntuga said two of the apprehended stowaways had previously been arrested for a similar offense just a month ago, emphasizing the persistence of such illicit activities.

“The brave efforts of the patrol team averted life-threatening conditions for the individuals confined in the vessel’s compartment, emphasizing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maritime safety.

“The arrested stowaways were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.

“The incident underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to its constitutional role under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation’s economic prosperity,” the statement said.