The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, on Thursday, said it intercepted 11 stowaways onboard a foreign Merchant Vessel (MV) Gwangzhou Highway Panama, heading to Ghana.
In a press statement made available by the base information officer, Happiness Collins, the patrol team said, while on routine patrol, it intercepted the stowaways on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, on Lagos waterways.
Collins identified the stowaways as Shedrack David, 19 year-old from Ondo State; Emmanuel Godbless, 30 year-old from Delta State; Ibrahim Hassan, 30 year-old from Adamawa State; Solomon Francis, 21 year-old from Ondo State; Bolaji Johnson, 28 year-old from Ondo State, and Samsom Aimy, 37 year-old from Bayelsa State.
Others are Ayefuwei Collins 27 year-old from Delta State; Ayo Gula, 28 year-old from Delta State; Jolomi Daniel 23 year-old from Ondo State; Abubakar Ibrahim 19 year-old from Zamfara State, and Precious Uwalogho 30year-old from Delta State.
“The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team while on routine patrol successfully intercepted and apprehended some individuals, on Tuesday, 17th October, 2023 at about 1900 at obscured spaces of the stern gate onboard GWANGZHOU HIGHWAY PANAMA, which was enroute Ghana.
“Accordingly, 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 but, information provided by these individuals revealed the presence of additional stowaways inside the ship.
“Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing seven more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody,” she explained.
Collins, however, stated that the suspected stowaways have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), saying they constituted myriad of safety and security challenges to shipping.
“They have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols and apart from the stowaways putting themselves in life threatening situations during the long voyage at sea, they also present 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 unwavering dedication under the watch of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, towards maintaining the security of the country’s maritime domain,” she stated.
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