NNS Beecroft Operatives Extract 14 Stowaways Onboard Vessel at Lagos Roadstead
Chiemelie Ezeobi
In line with its commitment to sustain maritime security, the patrol team of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT successfully intercepted and extracted 14 stowaways from MOTOR TANKER UOG CONSTANTINE at Lagos Roadstead.
Commander NNS BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander Of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga disclosed that 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.
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 individuals were Osas Nusakare (45, Edo State);
Okechi Chika (44, Abia State); Stephen Mmuta (35, Imo State); Ibrahim Hassan (30, Adamawa); Ebuka Onura (22, Enugu State); Emmanuel Godbless (30, Delta State); Ayefuwe Collins (27, Delta State)
Victor Egoma (35, Edo State); and
Alfred Ese (32, Delta State).
Others include 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).
The arrested stowaways were promptly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.
According to Sub-Lieutenant HA Collins,
Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, 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.
