NNS Beecroft  Patrol Team Nabs 4 Stowaways onboard Dubai Bound Container Vessel 

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft patrol team while on routine patrol extracted and apprehended some individuals on Monday, 13 November  2023 onboard  container vessel Teme Express which was enroute Dubai.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by Sub-Lieutenant Happiness Collins, Base Information Officer, NNS Beecroft , the Commander of the ship, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, was quoted saying the tactical teams were dispatched to the vessel at Lagos Anchorage, sequel to receiving information from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.

He stated that “Upon arrival, the teams noticed movements inside the rudder compartment.  Consequently, the teams boarded the ship located and extracted the 4 stowaways.

” The stowaways were found with a bag filled with snacks and a another polybag containing sachet water. ”

“The Stowaways identified as:   Ebi Agrive 22 years old from Bayelsa state, Lucky Amusu 23 years from  Lagos state.

“Goodness Edu 28 years from Akwa Ibom and Micheal Daniel 18 years  from  Ondo state, were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols. ”

The Commander further stated that apart from the stowaways putting themselves in life threatening situations during the long voyage at sea especially as they remain in a confined space for extended duration, pointing out the stowaways also present myriad of security threats to the crew with dire consequences on the image of the nation.

“This arrest and handover therefore is another testament of the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment and resolve under the Leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, towards holistic maritime security for economic prosperity of Nigeria,”he noted .