Nigerian Navy Arrests 19 Stowaways Aboard Europe-Bound Vessels in Lagos
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted 19 stowaways aboard two merchant vessels en route to Europe. The arrest was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to eliminate criminal activities in the maritime sector.
According to a press statement from Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer for NNS BEECROFT, the arrests took place in two separate operations. On December 19, 2024, 15 stowaways were apprehended aboard the European-bound vessel MT KRITI RUBY at Atlas Cove. Another four stowaways were arrested on December 21, 2024, aboard MT MCC YANBU.
Details of the Arrests
The stowaways had boarded the vessels at night, concealing themselves in the rudder compartments, attempting to illegally migrate to Europe. MT KRITI RUBY raised the alarm through the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, requesting an immediate interception of the suspected stowaways. The Falcon Eye system successfully vectored the NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team (QRT), leading to the interception of the first group of 15 stowaways.
In the case of MT MCC YANBU, the interception followed credible intelligence provided by NNS BEECROFT personnel who were assigned to escort duties on the vessel. This intelligence led to the arrest of the additional four stowaways.
Safety and Security Concerns
Lieutenant Ibrahim highlighted the significant risks posed by stowaways to maritime operations, including security threats to vessels and the facilitation of other illegal activities such as smuggling, piracy, and human and drug trafficking.
The Nigerian Navy’s quick response is credited with preventing the stowaways from being exposed to life-threatening conditions during the long voyage. The first group of 15 stowaways was handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on December 20, 2024, for further investigation, while the remaining four are expected to be transferred soon.
NNS BEECROFT’s Commitment to Maritime Security
Under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT remains committed to maintaining a credible presence along the Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks, ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities vital to the country’s economy.
The Nigerian Navy’s actions reflect a firm commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and safeguarding it from criminal threats.
