Arrests made on European-bound vessels as part of efforts to curb maritime crimes and support the Blue Economy initiative.
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully intercepted 19 suspected stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe. This development was announced on Saturday by Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, the ship’s Information Officer, in Lagos.
The first group of 15 stowaways was apprehended on December 19 onboard the European-bound motor tanker, MT KRITI RUBY. Just days later, on December 21, another four were intercepted on MT MCC YANBU.
Concealed in Rudder Compartments
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had boarded the vessels under the cover of night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartments, intending to reach Europe illegally.
The operation was made possible through the use of the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, which directed NNS BEECROFT’s Quick Response Team (QRT) to intercept the stowaways near the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
Supporting the Blue Economy
Lt. Ibrahim emphasized that this interception aligns with ongoing efforts to rid Nigeria’s maritime domain of criminal activities, in support of the Presidential initiative to bolster the Blue Economy.
The first group of 15 stowaways has already been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service’s Lagos State Port/Marine Command in Apapa for further investigation and action. Plans are in place to transfer the remaining four suspects to immigration authorities soon.
Naval Commitment
Under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT continues to maintain a strong presence along Lagos waterways and nearby creeks to deter illegal activities.
This operation underscores the Navy’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment while ensuring adherence to international laws and regulations.
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