By Augustine Ehikioya
During its operations between 9th and 13th of July, the Nigerian Navy have arrested eight stowaway persons within the Nigerian waters, now totalling 33 stowaways arrested since beginning of the year 2024.
Within the week in July, it also rescued eight human trafficking victims and two drowning fishermen.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Information, Commodore, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It reads “In the past week, from 9-13 July, 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain, rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking, 2 drowning fishermen and arrested 8 male stowaways.
“Additionally, a sea Robbery attempt was foiled within the same period. Specifically, on 9 July 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BADAGRY intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
“Upon interrogation it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet to be identified agent. The victims were later handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) while further investigation to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate is ongoing.”
In another development, the statement said that on 10 July 2024, Nigerian Navy personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA, Akwa Ibom State intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to rob a supply vessel along Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government.
The robbers, it said, opened fire on own troops, prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire.
The statement added “The robbers later retreated into the creeks and the robbery attempt was effectively foiled.
It went on “Also, on 12 July 2024 Nigerian Navy personnel from Forward Operating Base LEKKI rescued 2 drowning fishermen around Lekki Anchorage Area, about 10 nautical miles from Dangote Refinery at Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.”
It said findings revealed that the fishermen were fishing within the area when their boat capsized due to the rough sea state.
“In a different incident, on 13 July 2024, the NIGERIAN NAVY SHIP BEECROFT patrol team arrested 8 suspected stowaways in 2 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. Upon interrogation, 5 suspects admitted that they attempted to board the vessel to enable them travel abroad.
“The suspects and speedboats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for further investigation.
“Notably, NNS BEECROFT has so far arrested 33 stowaways between January and July 2024.”
“It is important to remind all operators and stakeholders within the Nation’s maritime domain that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy is poised to keep Nigerian waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities. Consequently, nefarious elements are advised to desist from perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.” it stated.
