The patrol team of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT apprehended nine stowaways in the rudder compartment of the Spain-bound Motor Tanker vessel LYSIAS VALETTA. Commander of the Ship, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, disclosed on Monday, February 5, that the stowaways were discovered on February 3, attempting to depart the country unlawfully.
Following established protocols, the stowaways were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for further necessary action. The individuals were identified as Christian Ikechukwu, 32, from Imo; Dennis Commander, 36, Bayelsa; Samson Army, 24, Bayelsa; Aribo Asiko, 26, Ondo; and Shina Folorunsho, 36, Ekiti.
The remaining individuals are Wisdom Egharevba, 26, from Edo; Okore Precious, 24, Delta; Ndukwe Sunday, 25, Enugu; and Agor Joseph, 57, Delta.
Commander Oguntuga commended the proactive detection and extraction of these individuals, emphasizing the prevention of life-threatening situations during the extended voyage within confined spaces. He also highlighted that this action helps avert potential security threats to the vessel and its crew, while simultaneously mitigating embarrassing situations.
