The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft’s patrol team successfully intercepted 14 stowaways aboard the Motor Tanker UOG CONSTANTINE at the Lagos Roadstead.
Disturbingly, two of the individuals, Osas Nusakare and Okechi Chika, were arrested for a similar offense just a month ago.
According to a press release by Sub Lieutenant Hapinness Collins, the Base Information Officer, the interception was part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to ensure the security of the country’s maritime domain.
Commander NNS Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, revealed that the timely action was initiated based on intelligence received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.
The navy’s tactical teams, deployed by the NNS Beecroft commander, swiftly boarded the vessel and discovered movements within the rudder compartment, leading to the apprehension of the stowaways.
However, the statement highlighted that two of the apprehended stowaways had been arrested for a similar offence just a month ago, indicating the persistence of such illicit activities.
The names of the apprehended stowaways are Osas Nusakare (44, Edo State), Okechi Chika (44, Abia State), Stephen Mmuta (35, Imo State), Ibrahim Hassan (30, Adamawa), Ebuka Onura (22, Enugu State), Emmanuel Godbless (30, Delta State), Ayefuwe Collins (27, Delta State), Victor Egoma (35, Edo State), Alfred Ese (32, Delta State), Abubakar Ibrahim (20, Zamfara State), Godspower Moses (21, Cross River State), Akin Opeoluwa (33, Ogun State), Okonkwo Gift (25, Enugu State), and Oluwa Tosin Sunday (40, Ondo State).
“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 Emmanuel Ogalla, reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation’s economic prosperity,” she stated.