The Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft’s patrol team on August 26, 2023, apprehended five Nigerian stowaways trying to exit the country.
They were reportedly arrested onboard a vessel, MSC Martha heading to Spain within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage.
The Commander, NNS Beecroft, Kolawale Oguntuga, while handing the suspects over to the Nigerian Immigration Service at the Naval Base Apapa, Lagos on Wednesday said their arrest was carried out following a tipoff.
Oguntuga gave the names of the stowaways as Effiong Okon, 44; Ayewuni Daniel, 27; Ajagboma Asiko, 29; Adebanjo Ayewumi, 23; and Christian Joseph, 25.
He said, “The Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft’s patrol team executed a commendable operation resulting in the apprehension of five stowaways aboard a vessel -MSC Martha.
“The operation was carried out on August 26, 2023, around 11.50pm following a reliable tip-off.
“Their arrest took place within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage, while they were attempting to clandestinely exit the country via the vessel.”
Oguntuga added that mobile phones, some personal effects and a cash sum of N7,900 were found on them.
“The apprehended stowaways have been handed over to the appropriate authorities and are currently held in custody. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate legal actions are taken,” he said.
