Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft have intercepted 19 stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe aboard two vessels, which were docked at the Port of Lagos Apapa Quay, identified as MT KRITI RUBY and MT MCC YANBU.
The operation Navy said was part of its efforts to combat maritime criminal activities and support the Presidential initiative to enhance the Blue Economy.
The Base Information Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement explaining that the arrests were made by the Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at Atlas Cove.
According to Lt. Ibrahim, the first interception occurred on December 19, 2024, when 15 stowaways were discovered aboard the Europe-bound MT KRITI RUBY. Two days later, on December 21, 2024, the QRT intercepted an additional four stowaways on MT MCC YANBU.
It was gathered that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night, concealing themselves in the rudder compartments in a desperate bid to migrate to Europe illegally. MT KRITI RUBY raised the alarm through the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment, prompting the Navy’s intervention.
The Falcon Eye Alignment successfully directed NNS BEECROFT’s QRT to intercept the 15 suspected stowaways at Lagos Fairway Buoy,” Lt. Ibrahim stated. He added that the interception of the four suspects aboard MT MCC YANBU was based on credible intelligence provided by NNS BEECROFT personnel deployed for escort duties.
The Navy’s swift response likely saved the stowaways from life-threatening conditions during the long voyage. The statement further warned against such illegal activities, emphasizing that stowaways pose significant security threats to maritime operations, including facilitating smuggling, piracy, and trafficking of drugs and humans.
Under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT reiterated its commitment to maintaining a secure maritime environment along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to support socioeconomic activities.
The 15 stowaways intercepted on MT KRITI RUBY were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, on December 20, 2024, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four stowaways intercepted on MT MCC YANBU will be transferred subsequently.
