The Nigerian Navy has detained eight individuals attempting to stow away aboard the MSC Katyani vessel in a bid to illegally migrate to Europe.
The incident occurred off the coast of Lagos State on Friday, targeting illegal migration routes.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigerian Navy confirmed that the suspects were handed over to the Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, Dalhatu Musa, at the Lagos Ports/Marine Command in Apapa, Lagos.
The statement reads, “On Friday, 17 January 2025, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT apprehended 8 suspected stowaways onboard MSC KATYANI with the intention to illegally migrate to Europe.
Consequently, the suspects were handed over to the Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Dalhatu Musa of Lagos Ports/Marine Command, Apapa Lagos.”
The arrested individuals were believed to have planned to reach Europe by stowing away on the commercial vessel, which was en route to international waters.