The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT’s patrol team has once again demonstrated its commitment to maritime security by successfully preventing eight stowaways from embarking on an illegal voyage aboard the Container Vessel NATAL, which was en route to Abidjan.
In a display of remarkable vigilance, the patrol team boarded the vessel at Lagos Anchorage on November 3, 2023, at approximately 0840 hours, following reliable intelligence.
The team, under the leadership of Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, Commander NNS BEECROFT, took swift and precise action to apprehend the eight stowaways who had concealed themselves inside the vessel’s rudder compartment. Their intervention ensured that the individuals were not subjected to life-threatening conditions during the extended voyage or exposed to other security risks associated with unauthorized access to such facilities.
The individuals were identified as follows: “Jerry Benjamin 22 years old, Ben Tony 19 years old, Victory Ekemele 16 years old, Ike Destiny, 17 years old, all hailing from Delta state, Ebuka Solomon 25 years old, Christian Eze 26 years old both originating from Enugu state, James Vincent, 25 years old, from Edo state, David Abamiyo 27 years old from Ondo state”
In accordance with established protocols, the stowaways were seamlessly handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further necessary actions.
This successful operation reflects the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Navy in carrying out its constitutional role and underscores the dedication of the Nigerian Navy under the esteemed leadership of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff. Their focus on ensuring a secure maritime environment contributes to creating a conducive atmosphere for legitimate business operations, which, in turn, fosters the economic prosperity of the nation.
