The Nigerian Navy has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of stowaways in Nigerian waters.
According to Commodore Adams-Aliu, Naval Director of Information, “Migration as a stowaway is illegal, dangerous and is considered a security threat to shipowners.”
In response to this growing menace, the Nigerian Navy has deployed advanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) equipment to track down stowaways. As a result, the Navy has apprehended about 75 stowaways between August 2023 and April 2024.
“During operations, Quick Response Teams (QRT) carefully extracted stowaways who had concealed themselves inside the rudder compartment of vessels. All apprehended stowaways were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in accordance with established protocols for further necessary action.”
Adams-Aliu emphasised the dangers and risks associated with stowaway attempts, including severe legal consequences and significant health risks such as exposure to harsh weather conditions, lack of food and water, injuries, and even death.
The Navy is urging Nigerian youths to refrain from embarking on such perilous misadventures.
