The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday paraded five stowaways arrested aboard a vessel, MSC Martha in Lagos.
The arrested stowaways are 44-year-old Effiong Okon; Ayewuni Daniel, 27; Ajagboma Asiko, 29; Adebanjo Ayewumi, 23 and 25-year-old Christian Joseph.
The stowaways were arrested by men of NNS Beecroft during a patrol on August 26.
The commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
It read, “NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team executed a commendable operation resulting in the apprehension of five stowaways, aboard a vessel -MSC MARTHA.
“The operation was carried out on August 26, 2023, at approximately 2350 hours, following a reliable tip-off. ”
Oguntuga stated that the stowaways were arrested while trying to flee the country illegally to Spain through the vessel.
He said, “Their arrest took place within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage while they were attempting to clandestinely exit the country via the vessel to Spain.
“Found in their possession were three mobile phones, personal effects, and a cash sum of N7,900. ”
He said the stowaways had been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further investigation.
Oguntuga said, “They were paraded today and have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration
The NNS BEECROFT patrol team’s swift and efficient response underscores the Navy’s dedication under the watch of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, towards maintaining the security and integrity of the country’s maritime borders. “