NNS BEECROFT: Navy Intercepts 11 Stowaways Aboard Gwangzhou Highway Panama

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft  has Intercepts 11 stowaways aboard MV 11 MV. Gwangzhou Highway Panama.

In a display of exceptional vigilance, the naval patrol team while on routine patrol apprehended the individuals on Tuesday, 17 October 2023 at about 1900 (7pm) at obscured spaces of the stern gate onboard the vessel which was enroute Ghana.

According to a statement from Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft,  Sub-Lieutenant Happiness Collins, the apprehended individuals are: Shedrack David 19yrs  from Ondo State,. Emmanuel Godbless 30yrs Delta State,. Ibrahim Hassan 30yrs Adamawa State, Solomon Francis 21yrs Ondo State, and Bolaji Johnson 28yrs  Ondo State.

Others are: Samsom Aimy 37yrs  Bayelsa State, Ayefuwei Collins 27yrs Delta State , Ayo Gula 28 Delta State, Jolomi Daniel 23yrs  Ondo State, Abubakar Ibrahim 19yrs Zamfara State and Precious Uwalogho 30yrs Delta .

Primarily, she revealed that the Western Regional Control Center (WRCC) was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage.

Collins said Initially, 4 stowaways were apprehended from the stern of the vessel but added that information provided by the individuals apprehended revealed the presence of additional stowaways inside the ship.

“Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing 7 more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody,”she affirmed.

She noted that the stowaways have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols.

Collins said “Apart from the stowaways putting themselves in life threatening situations during the long voyage at sea, they also present myriad of safety and security challenges.

Accordingly, she noted that the arrest and handover by the patrol team is an essential reminder of the critical role the Nigerian Navy plays in ensuring maritime security as well as upholding the rule of law which underscores the Navy’s unwavering dedication under the watch of the Chief of the Naval Staff , Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, towards maintaining the security of the country’s maritime domain.