The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft patrol team while on routine patrol has intercepted and apprehended 11 individuals aboard ship.
They were arrested on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at about 7:00p.m. at obscured spaces of the stern gate onboard Gwangzhou Highway Panama, which was enroute Ghana.
Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, told journalists on Thursday that the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage.
According to Commodore Oguntuga: “Initially, four stowaways were apprehended from the stern of the vessel. However, information provided by these individuals revealed the presence of additional stowaways inside the ship.
“Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing seven more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody.
“The individuals are identified as Shedrack David, 19, from Ondo State; Emmanuel Godbless, 30, from Delta State; Ibrahim Hassan, 30, from Adamawa State; Solomon Francis, 21, from Ondo State and Bolaji Johnson, 28, from Ondo State.”
Oguntuga said others are Samson Aimy, 37, from Bayelsa State; Collins, 27, from Delta State; Ayo Gula, 28, also from Delta State; Jolomi Daniel, 23, Ondo State; Abubakar Ibrahim, m, 19, from Zamfara State and Precious Uwalogho, 30, from Delta State.
He said the suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols.
“Apart from the stowaways putting themselves in life threatening situations during the long voyage at sea, they also present a myriad of safety and security challenges.
“Accordingly, this arrest and handover by the patrol team is an essential reminder of the critical role the Nigerian Navy plays in ensuring maritime security as well as upholding the rule of law, which underscores the Navy’s unwavering dedication under the watch of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, towards maintaining the security of the country’s maritime domain,” the Commander added.