The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft Parades 11 Stowaways Intercepted Aboard Panama-Bound Vessel

In a remarkable display of vigilance, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft patrol team intercepted and apprehended 11 stowaways aboard the Guangzhou Highway Panama vessel, which was en route to Ghana. The individuals, harboring aspirations of reaching Europe in pursuit of better opportunities, were taken into custody by the vigilant naval team.

Lieutenant Commander Ayobami Tunde-Alli, representing Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, disclosed the events leading to the apprehension of the stowaways. The operation took place on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, around 7 pm, in the concealed spaces of the stern gate of the vessel.

Initially, four stowaways were discovered hiding at the stern of the ship, but subsequent information provided by them unveiled the presence of additional stowaways concealed within the vessel. The Western Regional Control Centre was promptly alerted, leading to the vessel’s halt within Lagos anchorage.

On Thursday, the 11 apprehended stowaways were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service in Apapa, marking a significant operation carried out by the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft to ensure the security of the nation’s maritime borders and the safety of those aboard vessels passing through Nigerian waters.