Officials of the Nigerian Navy have arrested five Nigerians who boarded a ship illegally at the Lagos anchorage in a bid to leave the country.
The stowaways who were arrested onboard the ship named MRC NARTHA were identified as Efiong Okon (44), Ayewuni Daniel (27), Ajagboma Asiko (29), Adebanjo Ayewumi (23) and Christian Joseph (25).
They were arrested by naval officers on the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Saturday August 26, 2023.
The Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, who confirmed the arrest, said the five stowaways were evacuated from the vessel by a naval patrol team deployed to provide security at the Lagos anchorage.
Oguntuga said the operation was carried out at about 11.50 pm.
“Their arrest took place within the vicinity of the Lagos anchorage, while they were attempting to clandestinely exit the country via the vessel. Found in their possession are three mobile phones, personal effects and cash sum of N7,900. These confiscated items are now under official custody as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
“The NNS BEECROFT patrol team’s swift and efficient response underscore the navy’s dedication under the watch of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E.I. Ogalla, towards maintaining the security and integrity of the country’s maritime borders,” he said.
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