OPERATIVES of the Nigerian Navy, attached to the NNS BEECROFT have arrested 14 stowaways on board a motor tanker identified as UOG CONSTANTINE at Lagos Roadstead.

Commander NNS BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, who made the disclosure in a statement, said the stowaways were arrested on Friday, December 15, 2023, following intelligence received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.

Commodore Oguntuga, in the statement signed by the NNS BEECROFT spokesperson, Sub Lieutenant Happiness Collins, said the tactical team of the base swiftly boarded the vessel and discovered movements within the rudder compartment.

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The navy identified those arrested to 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, (Cross River 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 offence 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.