A patrol team of the Nigerian Navy Ship, BEECROFT has confirmed that it has intercepted 11 Stowaways aboard GWANGZHOU HIGHWAY PANAMA ship enroute Ghana in West Africa.
According to a statement by the Base Information Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, H.A Collins, which was sighted by Africa Today News, New York on Friday, the individuals were intercepted on Tuesday at about 7pm during a routine patrol of Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team.
He said that the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage.
“Initially, 4 stowaways were apprehended from the stern of the vessel. However, information provided by these individuals revealed the presence of additional stowaways inside the ship.
“Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing 7 more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody,” the statement said.
The official said the stowaways have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols.
The apprehended individuals as listed by the Navy are:
- Shedrack David, 19yrs from Ondo State.
- Emmanuel Godbless, 30yrs from Delta State.
- Ibrahim Hassan, 30yrs from Adamawa State.
- Solomon Francis, 21yrs from Ondo State.
- Bolaji Johnson, 28yrs from Ondo State.
- Samsom Aimy, 37yrs from Bayelsa State.
- Ayefuwei Collins, 27yrs from Delta State.
- Ayo Gula, 28 yrs from Delta State.
- Jolomi Daniel, 23yrs from Ondo State.
- Abubakar Ibrahim, 19yrs from Zamfara State and
- Precious Uwalogho, 30yrs from Delta State.
In another report, Ghanaian authorities on Tuesday deployed its navy and other teams to a mission to rescue thousands of people affected by the spillage of excess water from some of the major dams amid heavy rains.
Africa Today News, New York understands that no fewer than 8,000 people have so far been rescued in the Volta region after heavy flooding caused by the overflow of Akosombo and Kpong hydro-electric dams.
A navy official told local media that they had ‘evacuated over 8,000 flood-stricken people to safe havens’.
Commodore EA Kwafo said they were also responding to distress calls as well as keeping watch on critical infrastructure.