By Phillip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy’s patrol team from NNS BEECROFT has arrested eight suspected stowaways.
The suspects found in two speedboats were attempting to board the MV NORTHERNLIGHT while it was underway along the Lagos Channel.
This information was disclosed by Commodore Augustine Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, in a statement.
“The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.
“Upon interrogation, five suspects admitted that they attempted to board the vessel to enable them to travel abroad.
“The suspects, along with their speedboats, were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for further investigation. Between January and July 2024, NNS BEECROFT has arrested 33 stowaways.
“From July 9-13, 2024, the Nigerian Navy conducted several successful operations across the nation’s maritime domain, including the rescue of eight female victims of human trafficking and two drowning fishermen.
“On July 9, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat carrying eight females, aged 18-23, en route to the Benin Republic. “Upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by an unidentified agent,” Adams-Aliu stated. The victims were handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) while further investigations continue.”
In another operation on July 10, 2024, personnel from the Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to rob a supply vessel along the Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government Area. “The robbers opened fire on our troops, prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire. The robbers later retreated into the creeks, and the robbery attempt was effectively foiled,” Adams-Aliu reported.
On July 12, 2024, Nigerian Navy personnel from the Forward Operating Base in Lekki rescued two fishermen near the Lekki Anchorage Area, about 10 nautical miles from the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Lagos State. The fishermen’s boat had capsized due to rough sea conditions.
Commodore Adams Aliu said the Nigerian Navy remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.