Nigerian Navy arrests 11 stowaways aboard Ghana-bound ship

The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, patrol team has intercepted 11 stowaways aboard a Guangzhou Highway Panama ship heading to Ghana.

The stowaways said they thought the vessel was going to Europe and decided to follow it out of the country in search of greener pastures.

Lieutenant Commander Ayobami Tunde-Alli, standing in for the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, while speaking to journalists on Thursday, October 19, 2023, said the stowaways were arrested by the NNS Beecroft patrol team on Tuesday around 7pm. 

Tunde-Alli said the stowaways have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with the established protocols. 

“In a display of exceptional vigilance, the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft patrol team, while on routine patrol, successfully intercepted and apprehended some individuals on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, around 7pm at obscured spaces of the stern gate onboard Guangzhou Highway Panama, which was en route Ghana,” he said. 

“Accordingly, Western Regional Control Centre was immediately informed and prompted the vessel to halt within Lagos anchorage.

“Initially, four stowaways were apprehended from the stern of the vessel. However, information provided by these individuals revealed the presence of additional stowaways inside the ship. 

“Following a comprehensive search, an astonishing 7 more stowaways were uncovered within the ship, bringing the total to 11 stowaways who were promptly disembarked from the vessel and taken into custody.” 

The arrested individuals as listed by the Navy are:

1. Shedrack David, 19yrs from Ondo State.
2. Emmanuel Godbless, 30yrs from Delta State.
3. Ibrahim Hassan, 30yrs from Adamawa State.
4. Solomon Francis, 21yrs from Ondo State.
5. Bolaji Johnson, 28yrs from Ondo State.
6. Samsom Aimy, 37yrs from Bayelsa State.
7. Ayefuwei Collins, 27yrs from Delta State.
8. Ayo Gula, 28 yrs from Delta State.
9. Jolomi Daniel, 23yrs from Ondo State.
10. Abubakar Ibrahim, 19yrs from Zamfara State and
11. Precious Uwalogho, 30yrs from Delta State