The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intercepted 19 suspected stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe.

The ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 onboard European bound vessel Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY.

Ibrahim said that an additional four were intercepted on Dec. 21 onboard MT MCC YANBU.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe.

“The Base, through its Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at ATLAS COVE using the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, Falcon Eye Alignment intercepted the suspected stowaways.

“This comes as a result of an ongoing effort to sanitise the maritime environment of all forms of criminalities in support of the Presidential initiative to upscale the Blue Economy,” he said.

Ibrahim said that the Falcon Eye Alignment successfully vectored NNS BEECROFT QRT which led to the interception of the 15 suspected stowaways at the Lagos fairway buoy.

“On the other hand, the interception of the additional four suspects was sequel to credible intelligence availed by NNS BEECROFT personnel deployed for escort duties onboard the vessel.

“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” the officer said.

Ibrahim said that the first 15 suspected stowaways were handed over on Friday to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa for further investigation and necessary action.

He added that the remaining four suspected stowaways would be handed over as soon as possible.

“The effect of stowaways on maritime operations posed security threats to vessels and aided smuggling, piracy as well as drug and human trafficking amongst other maritime threats,” the officer said.

Ibrahim said that NNS BEECROFT under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, would continue to maintain a credible presence along Lagos waterways and its adjoining creeks.

“This will continue to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive,” he said.