Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have intercepted 19 suspected stowaways heading to Europe.
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed this through a statement on Saturday in Lagos, saying the15 stowaways were intercepted on Thursday onboard Europe-bound vessel, Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY.
He said additional four were intercepted on Saturday onboard MT MCC YANBU.
The spokesman said: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting 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.
“This comes as a result of the ongoing effort to sanitise the maritime environment of all forms of criminalities in support of the Presidential initiative to upscale the Blue Economy.”
Ibrahim said the Falcon Eye Alignment successfully vectored NNS BEECROFT QRT which led to the interception of the 15 suspected stowaways at the Lagos fairway buoy.
“On the other hand, the interception of the additional four suspects was sequel to credible intelligence availed by NNS BEECROFT personnel deployed for escort duties onboard the vessel.
“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” the spokesman added.
Ibrahim said the first 15 suspected stowaways were handed over on Friday to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa for further investigation and necessary action.
He added that the remaining four suspected stowaways would be handed over as soon as possible.
