The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft recently made a major interception of 19 suspected stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe. This operation took place in Lagos State and was part of the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to combat maritime crimes and support national security initiatives.
The interception was carried out on two European-bound vessels, the Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY and MT MCC YANBU. According to Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer, the stowaways had boarded these vessels at night, concealing themselves in the rudder compartments in a bid to evade detection.
The first group of 15 stowaways was intercepted on December 19 aboard the MT KRITI RUBY, while the remaining four were apprehended on December 21 on the MT MCC YANBU.
Lieutenant Ibrahim stated, "Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe."
This operation was facilitated by the Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at ATLAS COVE, utilizing the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment. This advanced system played a crucial role in vectoring the NNS Beecroft QRT to successfully intercept the stowaways at the Lagos fairway buoy.
The Nigerian Navy's actions are part of initiative to sanitize the maritime environment of all forms of criminal activities, aligning with the Presidential initiative to enhance the Blue Economy.
The intercepted individuals were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The first batch of 15 stowaways was transferred on December 20, while arrangements were being made to hand over the remaining four.
Under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the NNS Beecroft continues to maintain a credible presence along Lagos waterways and its adjoining creeks. This operation shows the Nigerian Navy's commitment to upholding the rule of law at sea, combating illegal migration, and ensuring maritime security.
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