By Francesca Hangeior
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft have arrested eight suspected stowaways during their attempt to board two-speed boats.
Unknown to the suspects, the patrol team of NNS Beecroft had sighted them during a patrol conducted on July 13, 2024.
With the latest arrest, NNS Beecroft which is in Lagos has so far apprehended 33 stowaways between January and July.
A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said five of the eight suspects admitted that they wanted to travel abroad.
He said, “NNS Beecroft on July 13, 2024, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV Northernlight while underway along Lagos Channel.
“The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.
“The suspects and speed boats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for further investigation.