Nigerian Navy Extracts, Arrests Nine Stowaways from Spain-bound Vessel

Sunday Ehigiator

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), BEECROFT, Quick Response Team, under the leadership of the commander, also the Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, have extracted and arrested nine stowaways in the rudder compartment of a Spain-bound vessel, known as LYSIAS VALETTA.

In a signed statement by NNS BEECROFT Base Information Officer, Lieutenant H Ibrahim, he said the extraction and arrest were in response to intelligence indicating potential stowaways aboard a vessel on February 3, 2024.

He said upon getting the intelligence, “we swiftly deployed the Quick Response Team, and upon arrival, the team discovered nine stowaways in the rudder compartment of the vessel, LYSIAS VALETTA.

According to him, “At approximately 12:30 p.m. the patrol team successfully recovered the stowaways, and have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.

“The arrested persons are Christian Ikechukwu, 32, from Imo State; Dennis Commander, 36; Samson Army, 24, from Bayelsa State; Aribo Asiko, 26, from Ondo State; Shina Folorunsho, 36, from Ekiti State; Wisdom Egharevba, 26, from Edo State; Ndukwe Sunday, 25, from Enugu State, and Okorie Precious, 24, and Agor Joseph, 57, from Delta State respectively.

“The proactive detection and extraction of these individuals are commendable, preventing them from life-threatening situation during such extended voyages within confined spaces. Additionally, this action averts potential security threats to the vessel and its crew as well as mitigating embarrassing situations.

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