The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team apprehended nine stowaways in the rudder compartment of Spain-bound Motor Tanker vessel LYSIAS VALETTA.

Commander of the Ship, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga said on Monday, February 5, that the stowaways were discovered on February 3 aboard the vessel trying to leave the country illegally.

They’ve been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.

They were identified as Christian Ikechukwu, 32 from Imo; Dennis Commander, 36, Bayelsa; Samson Army, 24, Bayelsa; Aribo Asiko, 26, Ondo and Shina Folorunsho, 36, Ekiti.

Others are: Wisdom Egharevba, 26, from Edo, Okore Precious, 24, Delta; Ndukwe Sunday, 25, Enugu and Agor Joseph, 57, Delta.

Oguntuga said;

“The proactive detection and extraction of these individuals are commendable, preventing 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.”