Kayode Shopekan
OPERATIVES of the Nigerian Navy have arrested four stowaways on board a vessel at the Lagos anchorage.
The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Bashir Mohammed, said the stowaways were arrested on a ship named MT River Shiner.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe arrest was said to have been made by the NNS BEECROFT team during a routine patrol, when movement was observed around a wooden boat near the stern of the vessel.
He explained that a search was conducted, and the suspects were found inside the compartment housing the propeller.
Mohammed said, “Findings during the interrogation revealed that the stowaways had come from different parts of the country to Lagos in search of jobs. The suspects claimed that they lived with a friend at Sagbo Koji community, an island settlement on the sea school channel, Apapa, on arrival in Lagos.
“Additionally, they confessed that it was at Sagbo Koji community that they heard about stowaway missions and decided to travel to Europe. The suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for further investigation and prosecution.”
Mohammed, who advised Nigerians to ensure they follow due process on migration to avoid sanctions, said the Nigerian Navy would remain committed to supporting NIS and other stakeholders in their efforts to curb criminal activities in the maritime sector.
