Commodore Bashir Mohammed, Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, on Thursday said that five stowaways were caught onboard MT JANE vessel at the Lagos anchorage with the intention of travelling to Europe.
Mohammed in a statement said the suspects gained access onboard the vessel through its rudder compartment.
He said the arrest was effected by NNS BEECROFT patrol team during a routine harbour patrol on Saturday, Sept. 25.
“Findings during interrogation revealed that the stowaways came from different parts of the country to Lagos State with the intention of travelling to Europe.
“The suspects confessed that they had the intention of leaving the country for Europe in search of greener pastures before they were apprehended by the Nigerian Navy.
“The suspects had been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution,” the Commodore said.
Mohammed advised Nigerians to always follow due process for migration to avoid endangering their lives and commended the patrol teams’ effort in effecting the arrest of the stowaways.
He conveyed the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo’s support to the Nigerian Immigration Service and other maritime stakeholders in curbing crimes within the maritime domain.
