- The suspects and speedboats have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft have arrested eight suspected stowaways attempting to board two speedboats. The arrests were made during a patrol on July 13, 2024.
According to the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the suspects were sighted by the NNS Beecroft patrol team while attempting to board MV Northernlight via its rudder compartment along the Lagos Channel.
The suspects and speedboats have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port, and Marine Command for further investigation. Five of the suspects admitted they were trying to travel abroad.
Adams-Aliu also reported that NNS Beecroft, based in Lagos, has apprehended 33 stowaways between January and July 2024.
In the past week, the Nigerian Navy units across the nation’s maritime domain rescued eight female trafficking victims and two drowning fishermen. A sea robbery attempt was also foiled.
On July 9, 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat carrying eight females, aged 18-23, en route to the Benin Republic. The women were found to be trafficking victims and were handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation.
Efforts to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate involved are ongoing.