‘Four stowaways who wanted to travel to Europe’ arrested at Lagos port

The Nigerian Navy says its officers have arrested four stowaways on board a vessel in Lagos.

Bashir Mohammed, commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, stated this on Wednesday, adding that they were arrested on the MT River Shiner vessel at the Lagos anchorage.

According to NAN, Mohammed said the arrests were made by the NNS BEECROFT team during a routine patrol, when movement was observed around a wooden boat near the stern of the vessel.

He noted that a search was conducted, and the suspects were found inside the compartment housing the propeller.

“Findings during the interrogation revealed that the stowaways had come from different parts of the country to Lagos in search of jobs,” Mohammed said.

“The suspects claimed that they lived with a friend at Sagbo Koji community, an island settlement on the sea school channel, Apapa, on arrival in Lagos.

“Additionally, they confessed that it was at Sagbo Koji community that they heard about stowaway missions and decided to travel to Europe.

“The suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for further investigation and prosecution.”

The commander, who advised Nigerians to ensure they follow due process on migration to avoid sanctions, added that the navy remains committed to supporting NIS and other stakeholders in their efforts to curb criminal activities in the maritime sector.