Nigerian Navy Rescues, Arrests Nine Stowaways In Vessel Heading For Spain

The Nigerian Navy has stated that its NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team arrested nine adult citizens who are stowaways and were found in the rudder compartment of the vessel, Lysias Valetta.

According to a release obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrested stowaways have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.

The suspects are; “Christian Ikechukwu (32) – Imo State; Dennis Commander (36) – Bayelsa; Samson Army (24) – Bayelsa; Aribo Asiko (26) – Ondo; Shina Folorunsho (36) – Ekiti; Wisdom Egharevba (26) – Edo; Okore Precious (24) – Delta; Ndukwe Sunday (25) – Enugu and Agor Joseph (57) – Delta.

“The proactive detection and extraction of these individuals are commendable, preventing them from life-threatening situations during such extended voyage within confined spaces. Additionally, this action averts potential security threats to the vessel and its crew as well as mitigating embarrassing situations,” the statement said.

“The incident underscores the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to its constitutional role in creating a secure maritime environment for the nation’s economic prosperity. Accompanying this release are images capturing the arrest and handover.”