No fewer than nine stowaways has been rescued by the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, from the rudder compartment of a Motor Tanker Vessel, LYSIAS VALETTA, bound for Spain, at the Lagos anchorage.
Africa Today News, New York gathered that the suspects, some of whom were discovered to have earlier had failed attempts, did not show any remorse, as they blamed their actions on the harsh economy.
The suspects, who range in age from 27 to 56, packed snacks, sachet water, and cassava flakes—commonly known as garri—and departed their individual homes in Lagos and other regions of the nation for the disastrous journey.
They disclosed that they had hired several fishermen to transport them in their boats to the ship’s position, where they entered covertly at night.
But the bubble burst after personnel of the NNS beecroft, according to the Commander, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, were deployed to the location.
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Briefing journalists on the arrest, yesterday, at the Command’s parade ground, Commodore Oguntuga, who is also the Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, said: “In response to intelligence indicating potential stowaways aboard a vessel on February 3,2024, the Command swiftly deployed its Quick Response Team.
“Upon arrival at approximately 12.30pm, the patrol team discovered nine stowaways in the rudder compartment of the vessel LYSIAS VALETTA.
“The proactive detection and extraction of these individuals are commendable, as it prevented 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.
Speaking with journalists, one of them, Wisdom Egharevba, said: “I was arrested on board the ship at Lagos Anchorage. We were going to Spain. This is my second time trying to escape from the hardship of the country. The first time, I went by road, through Libya and I spent 16 days.