NNS BEECROFT's Patrol Team Found 9 Stowaways...

 The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team found nine stowaways in the rudder compartment of the motor tanker vessel LYSIAS VALETTA, which was headed for Spain.

On Monday, February 5, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the ship's commander, announced that the stowaways were apprehended on February 3 while attempting to flee the nation unlawfully aboard the vessel.

By established procedures, they have been turned over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for additional required action. 

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

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

According to Oguntuga;

“The proactive detection and extraction of these individuals are commendable, preventing them from life-threatening situations during such extended voyages within confined spaces.

“Additionally, this action averts potential security threats to the vessel and its crew as well as mitigating embarrassing situations.”