Nigerian Navy Apprehends 9 Stowaways Aboard Vessel Bound for Spain

The Nigerian Navy’s Beecroft patrol crew freed nine stowaways from the rudder compartment of the motor tanker Lysias Valeta, which was headed for Spain.

The stowaways were found on board the ship on Monday, February 5, 2024, attempting to flee the country illegally, according to Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the ship’s commander.

According to Oguntuga, on February 3, 2024, the Quick Response Team was promptly dispatched in response to intelligence indicating possible stowaways aboard a vessel. Upon arrival, nine stowaways were found in the rudder compartment of the Lysias Valletta.

“At approximately 12:30 p.m., the patrol team successfully recovered the stowaways. The arrested stowaways have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), following established protocols, for further necessary action,” he said.

Oguntuga said that the nine had been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service following established protocols for further necessary action.

“The proactive detection and extraction of these individuals are commendable, preventing them from life-threatening situations during such extended voyage within confined spaces,” he said.

“Additionally, this action averts potential security threats to the vessel and its crew as well as mitigating embarrassing situations.” [CONTINUE READING HERE]