A Nigerian Navy ship patrol team, under Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, has successfully intercepted and apprehended three stowaways on the Tanker Vessel FRONT Altiers at Lagos, supposedly en route Europe.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the patrol team extracted the stowaways concealed in the rudder compartment of the vessel, preventing them from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage.
The individuals identified as Ebuka Daniel, 29 years old, from Enugu State; Samuel Abraham, 32 years old from Edo State, and
Christian Happy, 32 years old, from Delta State, were discovered to have boarded with the assistance of fishermen for a fee of N20,000 and N5,000 respectively.
A statement from the Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft Sub-Lieutenant Happiness Collins said the stowaways have been disembarked and handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for necessary action.
She said the 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 Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval Staff.