Three Nigerian boat drivers attempting to travel illegally to Europe have been intercepted and apprehended after sneaking aboard the merchant vessel MV Maersk Calabar and hiding inside its propeller compartment.
The three men, identified as 30-year-old Isaiah Oyetayo, 26-year-old Goddey Samson and 28-year-old Popoola Felix, were discovered on Monday after the Nigerian Navy received information about their presence aboard the vessel.
The ship, which was bound for Europe, was intercepted around the Fairway Buoy on the Lagos waters by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft.
Speaking with journalists yesterday during the handover of the suspects to the Nigeria Immigration Service at the NNS Beecroft parade ground in Apapa, Lagos, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, said the men were rescued following a tip-off from the Western Regional Control Centre.
Represented by the Executive Officer of NNS Beecroft, Captain Olarewaju Oginni, Adams-Aliu said the Quick Reaction Team stationed at Tarkwa Bay intercepted the vessel and safely extracted the suspects from its propeller compartment.
He said preliminary investigation showed that the men boarded the MV Maersk Calabar while it was at Apapa Port, using a canoe to gain access before concealing themselves inside the vessel.
“Their presence was discovered after the vessel got underway, leading to the intervention of NNS Beecroft,” he said.
Adams-Aliu said the incident underscored the serious risks associated with unauthorised access to seagoing vessels, warning that people who hide aboard ships in attempts to migrate illegally could face life-threatening conditions while also creating safety and security risks for vessels and their crews.
He urged parents, guardians and other authority figures to discourage young people from undertaking such dangerous journeys and to raise awareness of the risks associated with illegal migration by sea.
The suspects, all boat drivers, blamed their decision on hardship and their desire to seek better opportunities abroad.
Popoola, who said he is married with four children, admitted that he knew the journey could cost him his life.
“I wanted to go and look for a better life. The problem is too much in Nigeria. I just wanted to survive, save money, pay school fees and help my family,” he said. “I am not comfortable with what I am doing. I wanted to go there, get a good job and support my family.”