The Nigerian Navy’s NNS Beecroft patrol team successfully apprehended eight stowaways attempting to exit the country on an Abidjan-bound ship on November 3, 2023.
The stowaways had ingeniously concealed themselves within the rudder compartment of the container vessel, NATAL.
Commander Kolawale Oguntuga of NNS Beecroft, in a remarkable display of maritime security, handed over the suspects to the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Naval Base Apapa, Lagos, emphasizing that their arrest resulted from credible intelligence.
These stowaways hail from different regions of Nigeria, showcasing the broad extent of their audacious endeavor:
Jerry Benjamin (22 years old)
Ben Tony (19 years old)
Victory Ekemele (16 years old)
Ike Destiny (17 years old) – All from Delta State
Ebuka Solomon (25 years old)
Christian Eze (26 years old) – Both from Enugu State
James Vincent (25 years old) – From Edo State
David Abamiyo (27 years old) – From Ondo State
The swift and vigilant actions of the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT’s patrol team played a pivotal role in thwarting the illicit voyage.
On November 3, 2023, at approximately 8:40 a.m., acting upon reliable intelligence, the patrol team boarded the NATAL vessel anchored in Lagos.
They apprehended the eight stowaways who were attempting to clandestinely exit the country through this vessel.
This operation took place within the vicinity of Lagos anchorage, preventing these individuals from enduring life-threatening conditions within the confined rudder compartment for the long voyage.
It also averted potential security threats associated with unauthorized access to such facilities.
Following a seamless transition, the stowaways have been transferred to the appropriate authority.
This step aligns with established protocols to ensure that further necessary actions are taken.
This successful intervention by the Nigerian Navy underscores the commitment to maintaining maritime security and preventing illegal voyages, ensuring the safety of individuals and the integrity of the country’s borders.
