By Philip Nwosu
Operatives from the Nigerian Navy Ship, BEECROFT, have thwarted the plans of three young men who sneaked into an Europe-bound vessel in their quest for greener pastures.
The young men, who were identified as Ebuka Daniel, 29; Samuel Abraham, 32, and Christian Happy, 32, were alleged to be indigenes of Enugu, Edo and Delta states, respectively.
Narrating their stories shortly after they were caught, the suspected stowaway said they paid N20,000 to an unknown boat operator who ferried them to where the ship was anchored, preparatory to her departure from Nigeria.
One of the stowaways, who was identified as Daniel, said: “We sneaked into the ship without the knowledge of the crew. Unfortunately for us, our presence was noticed by one of the crew, who raised the alarm that led to our arrest.”
Confirming the arrest of the suspected stowaway, the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said operatives of the Nigerian Navy attached to the command apprehended the three stowaways attempting illegal migration through the oil vessel MT Front Ateliers, at the Lagos roadstead, during their patrol.
He said the incident occurred on December 27, 2023.
He added: “This incident highlights the crucial role of the Nigerian Navy in maritime security and upholding the rule of law, exemplifying the unwavering dedication, under the leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff. Attached are images depicting the successful interception, arrest and handover of the three stowaways.”