Eight alleged stowaways were apprehended by Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft operations while they were attempting to board two-speed boats. The suspects were unaware that on July 13, 2024, the NNS Beecroft patrol team had spotted them.
With this most recent arrest, NNS Beecroft, located in Lagos, has captured 33 stowaways between January and July.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, five out of the eight suspects acknowledged their desire to travel overseas.
He said, “NNS Beecroft on July 13, 2024, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV Northernlight while underway along Lagos Channel.
“The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.
“The suspects and speed boats have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port, and Marine Command for further investigation.
In a similar vein, Adams-Aliu claimed that during questioning, the five suspects acknowledged trying to board the ship in order to go overseas.
In addition, he mentioned the rescue of two fishermen who were drowning and eight female victims of human trafficking.
Adams-Aliu stated: “Last week, from July 9–13, 2024, Nigerian Navy units throughout the country’s maritime domain also rescued two drowning fishermen and eight female victims of human trafficking.
“Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period.
“Specifically, on July 9, 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
“Upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent.
He mentioned that the victims were later turned over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, and that an investigation is still underway to determine the identity of the trafficking syndicate and agent.
