No fewer than five stowaways have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy aboard the vessel MSC Martha in Lagos.
Their arrest was disclosed in a statement by Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, Commander of NNS BEECROFT.
The stowaways were apprehended by men from NNS Beecroft while on patrol.
The arrested stowaways are 44-year-old Effiong Okon, Ayewuni Daniel, 27, Ajagboma Asiko, 29, Adebanjo Ayewumi, 23, and 25-year-old Christian Joseph.
The statement by Oguntuga reads, “NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team executed a commendable operation resulting in the apprehension of five stowaways aboard a vessel, MSC MARTHA.
“The operation was carried out on August 26, 2023, at approximately 2350 hours, following a reliable tip-off.
Oguntuga further revealed that the stowaways were arrested while trying to flee the country illegally to Spain through the vessel.
He said, “Their arrest took place within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage while they were attempting to clandestinely exit the country via the vessel to Spain.
“Found in their possession were three mobile phones, personal effects, and a cash sum of N7,900.”
According to him, the stowaways had been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further investigation.
Oguntuga said, “They were paraded today and have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service.
The NNS BEECROFT patrol team’s swift and efficient response underscores the Navy’s dedication under the watch of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, towards maintaining the security and integrity of the country’s maritime borders. “
