Navy extract nine stowaways from Spain-bound vessel in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has extracted nine stowaways from motor tanker vessel, Lysias Valletta, bound for Spain.

The suspects were arrested by NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team, under the leadership of the commander, who is also the Maritime Component Commander, Operation Awatse, Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga.

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

Speaking on the arrest, yesterday, Oguntuga said acting in response to intelligence indicating potential stowaways aboard a vessel on February 3, 2024, the Quick Response Team was swiftly deployed, and on arrival, nine stowaways were discovered in the rudder compartment of the Lysias Valletta.

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

Commodore Oguntuga commended the proactive detection and extraction of the suspects, saying it prevented them from life-threatening situations during such extended voyage within confined spaces.

“Additionally, this action averted potential security threats to the vessel and its crew as well as mitigated embarrassing situations. The incident underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to its constitutional role under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation’s economic prosperity,” he added.