The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft patrol team has paraded 11 suspected stowaways (hijackers) arrested inside a ship heading to Ghana.
The incident which happened on Tuesday, in Lagos, was confirmed by the Navy officials on Thursday, October 19.
The apprehended suspects stated that they thought the ship was going to Europe and decided to follow it out of the country in search of greener pastures.
According to the statement issued on Thursday, by the Base Information Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, H. A Collins stated that the individuals were apprehended on Tuesday, during a routine patrol of the Navy Beecrof patrol team.
While handing the suspects over to the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, in Apapa, Lagos, Lieutenant Commander Ayobami Tunde-Alli added, “In a display of exceptional vigilance, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft patrol team, while on routine patrol, successfully intercepted and apprehended some individuals on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, around 7 pm at obscured spaces of the stern gate onboard Guangzhou Highway Panama, which was en route Ghana.
He added that the Western Regional Control Centre, WRCC, was quickly informed, which prompted the ship to come to a stop.
“Accordingly, Western Regional Control Centre was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage.
“Initially, four 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,” he added.
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