Eight alleged stowaways were taken into custody by Nigerian Navy operations when they were trying to board two speed boats.
Director of Naval Information Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu revealed this in a statement yesterday, stating that five of the eight suspects had acknowledged their desire to travel overseas.
He claimed that on July 13, 2024, during a patrol, the NNS Beecroft patrol crew had seen the suspects without their knowledge.
The latest apprehension in Lagos raises the total number of stowaways apprehended between January and July to 33, according to navy authorities.
“NNS Beecroft on July 13, 2024, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV Northernlight while underway along Lagos Channel,” the statement read.
“The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.
“The suspects and speed boats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port, and Marine Command for further investigation.
In a similar vein, Nigerian Navy troops across the nation’s maritime domain saved the lives of eight female victims of human trafficking and two drowning fisherman.
“In the past week, from 9-13 July 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain, also rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking and 2 drowning fishermen.
Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period.
“Specifically, on July 9, 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
“Upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent,” Adams-Aliu said.
While more research is being conducted to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate, the victims were turned over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
