The Nigerian Navy has arrested 19 suspected stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe by hiding in the rudder compartments of two Europe-bound vessels in Lagos.
The arrests were made by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on December 19 and December 21, 2024, during operations to curb maritime crime.
The Navy’s Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, explained that the Quick Response Team (QRT) intercepted 15 stowaways on December 19 aboard the vessel MT KRITI RUBY at ATLAS COVE. Two days later, four more stowaways were apprehended aboard the MT MCC YANBU.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartments while attempting to migrate to Europe illegally,” Lieutenant Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim praised the Navy’s swift action, stating that the *KRITI RUBY* raised an alarm through the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment. This enabled the QRT to locate and rescue the stowaways.
“The prompt response of the Quick Response Team saved the stowaways from life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he explained.
The Navy’s personnel also relied on credible intelligence to intercept the four stowaways aboard the MT MCC YANBU.
Lieutenant Ibrahim highlighted the dangers of stowaways, saying their actions pose serious security threats to maritime operations.
“The effect of stowaways on maritime operations cannot be overstated, as it poses security threats to vessels and aids smuggling, piracy, and human trafficking,” he stated.
He assured that the NNS BEECROFT, under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, will continue to maintain a strong presence along Lagos waterways to ensure safety and security.
The first 15 stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Lagos State Port/Marine Command in Apapa on December 20 for further investigation and action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred to the same agency soon.
