The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT recently apprehended 19 individuals attempting to illegally migrate to Europe by hiding under the rudder compartments of two vessels bound for Europe.
The arrests took place on Thursday, December 19, and Saturday, December 21, 2024, in Lagos.
Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer, shared that the arrests occurred when the Base’s Quick Response Team, stationed at ATLAS COVE, intercepted 15 stowaways aboard the MT KRITI RUBY on December 19, 2024.
The remaining four stowaways were detained two days later on the MT MCC YANBU.
Ibrahim described the operation as part of the Navy’s ongoing initiative to rid the maritime sector of criminal activities.
He explained, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and hid in the rudder compartments in an attempt to illegally migrate to Europe.”
He also highlighted that the MT KRITI RUBY raised an alarm through the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, which led to the NNS BEECROFT QRT intercepting the stowaways.
The quick response of the team was instrumental in saving the stowaways from potentially life-threatening conditions during the journey.
The interception of the additional four stowaways aboard the MT MCC YANBU was made possible by actionable intelligence from NNS BEECROFT personnel who were assigned to escort the vessel.
Ibrahim further noted, “The swift response of the Quick Response Team prevented the stowaways from being exposed to life-threatening situations during the voyage.”
Lieutenant Ibrahim emphasized the serious threat stowaways pose to maritime security, contributing to smuggling, piracy, and human trafficking.
Under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, the NNS BEECROFT will continue to uphold a robust presence along Lagos waterways to maintain a safe maritime environment.
Following their arrest, the first group of 15 stowaways was handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, on Friday, December 20, 2024, for further investigation. The remaining four stowaways will be handed over to the same agency shortly.
