The Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft’s patrol team, said it apprehended five Nigerian stowaways on August 26th who were trying to exit the country on a Spain-bound vessel, MSC MARTHA.

According to the statement by the commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the ship was already on course to Spain when the stowaways were rescued by personnel of the ship, after they sneaked into the vessel.

According to Oguntuga, the names of the stowaways are: Effiong Okon, 44; Ayewuni Daniel, 27; Ajagboma Asiko, 29; Adebanjo Ayewumi, 23; and Christian Joseph, 25.

“The Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft’s patrol team executed a commendable operation resulting in the apprehension of five stowaways aboard a vessel -MSC Martha.

“The operation was carried out on August 26, 2023, around 11.50pm following a reliable tip-off.

“Their arrest took place within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage, while they were attempting to clandestinely exit the country via the vessel,” he said.

The Commodore further informed that some personal effects like mobile phones and a cash sum of N7,900 were found on them.

“The apprehended stowaways have been handed over to the appropriate authorities and are currently held in custody. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate legal actions are taken,” he stated.