Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft have arrested eight suspected stowaways throughout their try to board two-speed boats.
Unknown to the suspects, the patrol crew of NNS Beecroft had sighted them throughout a patrol performed on July 13, 2024.
With the newest arrest, NNS Beecroft which is in Lagos has to this point apprehended 33 stowaways between January and July.
An announcement on Tuesday by the Director of Naval Info, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, mentioned 5 of the eight suspects admitted that they wished to journey overseas.
He mentioned, “NNS Beecroft on July 13, 2024, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats making an attempt to board MV Northernlight whereas underway alongside Lagos Channel.
“The incident occurred when the patrol crew sighted the suspects making an attempt to board the vessel via its rudder compartment.
“The suspects and pace boats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for additional investigation.
Equally, Adams-Aliu mentioned upon interrogation, the 5 suspects admitted that they tried to board the vessel to allow them to journey overseas.
He additionally famous that eight feminine trafficked victims and two drowning fishermen have been rescued.
Adams-Aliu mentioned, “Previously week, from 9-13 July 2024, Nigerian Navy models throughout the Nation’s maritime area, additionally rescued 8 feminine victims of human trafficking and a pair of drowning fishermen.
“Moreover, a sea theft try was foiled inside the similar interval.
“Particularly, on July 9, 2024, the Fast Response Crew of the Nigerian Navy Ahead Working Base Badagry intercepted a picket passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
“Upon interrogation, it turned apparent that they have been being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent.
He famous that the victims have been later handed over to the Nationwide Company for Prohibition of Trafficking in Individuals whereas additional investigation to determine the agent and trafficking syndicate is ongoing.