December 21, 2024
By Adedoja Adesoji
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft has successfully intercepted 19 suspected stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe onboard two vessels, MT KRITI RUBY and MT MCC YANBU.
This daring operation is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the maritime environment of all forms of criminalities and support the Presidential initiative to upscale the Blue Economy .
This was contained in a video posted by TVC, obtained by The Yoruba Times on Saturday.
According to Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer, the suspected stowaways boarded the vessels under the cover of darkness and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment.
The Nigerian Navy’s Quick Response Team, deployed at Atlas Cove, intercepted 15 of the suspected stowaways onboard MT KRITI RUBY on December 19, 2024. Four additional suspected stowaways were intercepted onboard MT MCC YANBU on December 21, 2024, following credible intelligence.
The prompt response of the Quick Response Team saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage.
However, the Nigerian Navy emphasized the dangers of stowaway activities, which pose security threats to vessels and aid smuggling, piracy, and human trafficking, among other maritime threats.
The first 15 suspected stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, on Friday, December 20, 2024, for further investigation and necessary action.
The remaining four suspected stowaways will be handed over as soon as possible.
The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive .
