The Nigerian Navy ship Beecroft Operators apprehended eight suspected stowaways while they were attempting to board two speed boats.
The suspects were unaware that on July 13, 2024, during a patrol, the NNS Beecroft patrol crew had spotted them.
NNS Beecroft, located in Lagos, has now arrested 33 stowaways between January and July, with this most recent arrest.
Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, said in a statement on Tuesday that five out of the eight suspects had acknowledged their desire to travel abroad.
“NNS Beecroft on July 13, 2024, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV Northernlight while underway along Lagos Channel.
“The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.
“The suspects and speed boats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for further investigation.
In addition, he mentioned the rescue of two fisherman who were drowning and eight female victims of human trafficking.
Adams-Aliu also stated “In the past week, from 9-13 July 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain, also rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking and 2 drowning fishermen.
“Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period.
“Specifically, on July 9, 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
“Upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent.
He mentioned that the victims were eventually turned over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, and that an investigation is still underway to determine the identity of the trafficking syndicate and agent.
