Nigerian Navy Intercepts 19 Suspected Stowaways Attempting to Migrate Illegally to Europe

Babatunji Wusu –

• The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft intercepted 19 suspected stowaways aboard two vessels, MT KRITI RUBY and MT MCC YANBU.
• The stowaways were hiding in the rudder compartments of the ships, attempting to migrate illegally to Europe.
• The first 15 stowaways were transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation, with the remaining four to be handed over shortly.

The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft successfully intercepted 19 suspected stowaways aboard two vessels, the MT KRITI RUBY and MT MCC YANBU, on December 20, 2024. According to Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer, initial investigations revealed that the stowaways boarded the ships at night, concealing themselves in the rudder compartments as they attempted to illegally migrate to Europe.

The first 15 of the stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Lagos State Port/Marine Command in Apapa for further investigation and legal action. The remaining four stowaways are expected to be transferred shortly.