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The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted 19 suspected stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe.
According to a statement by the ship’s information officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, on Saturday in Lagos, 15 stowaways were intercepted on December 19 onboard a Europe-bound vessel, Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. An additional four stowaways were intercepted on December 21 onboard MT MCC YANBU.
Lt. Ibrahim disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartments in their bid to illegally migrate to Europe.
“The Base, through its Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at ATLAS COVE using the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, intercepted the suspected stowaways,” Lt. Ibrahim said.
He explained that the interception of the 15 suspected stowaways was successfully achieved through Falcon Eye Alignment, which guided the NNS BEECROFT QRT to apprehend them at Lagos Fairway Buoy. Meanwhile, the additional four suspects were intercepted following credible intelligence provided by NNS BEECROFT personnel deployed for escort duties onboard the vessel.
Lt. Ibrahim commended the swift response of the QRT, noting that it prevented the stowaways from being exposed to potentially life-threatening situations during the long voyage.
The first group of 15 stowaways was handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, on Friday for further investigation and appropriate action. Lt. Ibrahim added that arrangements were being made to hand over the remaining four suspects.
He further emphasized the dangers of stowaways to maritime operations, stating that such acts pose security threats to vessels and contribute to crimes such as smuggling, piracy, and drug and human trafficking.
Under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT is committed to maintaining a credible presence along Lagos waterways and its adjoining creeks.
“This effort will ensure a safe and secure maritime environment, allowing socioeconomic activities to thrive,” Lt. Ibrahim said.
The ongoing operations align with the Presidential initiative to upscale the Blue Economy by sanitizing the maritime environment of all forms of criminality.
(NAN)
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