Navy extract nine stowaways from Spain-bound vessel in Lagos

By Tayo ABIOLA

The Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has discovered nine stowaways in the rudder compartment of motor tanker vessel, Lysias Valletta, bound for Spain.

The suspects were arrested under the leadership of the commander, who is also the Maritime Component Commander, Operation Awatse, Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga.

Speaking on the arrest, yesterday, Oguntuga said: “At approximately 12:30 p.m., the patrol team successfully recovered the stowaways. The arrested stowaways have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), following established protocols, for further necessary action.”

Commodore Oguntuga commended the proactive detection and extraction of the suspects, saying it prevented them from life-threatening situations during such extended voyage within confined spaces.

“Additionally, this action averted potential security threats to the vessel and its crew as well as mitigated embarrassing situations. The incident underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to its constitutional role under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation’s economic prosperity,” he added.

The suspects are: Christian Ikechukwu, 32, from Imo State; Dennis Commander, 36; Samson Army, 24, from Bayelsa; Aribo Asiko, 26, from Ondo; Shina Folorunsho, 36, Ekiti; Wisdom Egharevba, 26, Edo; Okore Precious, 24, Delta; Ndukwe Sunday, 25, Enugu; and Agor Joseph, 57, from Delta.