The Nigerian Navy has raised alarm over the escalating incidents of stowaways in Lagos waters, revealing that it has intercepted approximately 75 individuals attempting to stow away aboard container ships from August 2023 to April 2024.

Japa bid stopped by Navy as they arrest 75 Nigerians hiding on container ships in Lagos — Credit: Google images

Statement by Navy Director

In a statement issued by the Director of Information at the Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Wednesday in Abuja, the Navy expressed deep concern regarding the rising trend of stowaways within Nigerian waters.

Adams-Aliu referenced the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), which defines a stowaway as an individual who clandestinely boards a ship or hides within cargo without the consent of shipowners, the ship’s master, or any responsible authority.

Illegality and Risks

Highlighting the illegality and hazards associated with stowaway migration, Adams-Aliu emphasized that such actions pose significant security threats to shipowners and crew members alike.

Navy’s Response

In accordance with the strategic directives of Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Navy has deployed advanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) equipment to facilitate Quick Response Teams (QRT) across Nigeria’s territorial waters.

Naval Apprehensions of japa folks and Operations

Adams-Aliu detailed several incidents where stowaways were intercepted, including:

Five stowaways apprehended on MSC Martha Vessel in Lagos Channel in August 2023.
Eight individuals intercepted on Charminar Panama in Lagos Fairway Buoy in September 2023.
Eleven stowaways detained on Guangzhou Highway Panama in Lagos Channel in October 2023.
Eight individuals apprehended on NATAL in Lagos Fairway Buoy in November 2023.
Twenty stowaways intercepted on Container Vessel TEME, Grande Guinea, and MT UOG Constantine in Lagos Channel and Lagos Fairway Buoy in December 2023.
Twenty-three individuals apprehended between January and April 2024 in Lagos Channel and Fairway Buoy.

Operational Procedures

During operations, the Quick Response Teams meticulously extracted stowaways concealed within the vessels’ rudder compartments. All apprehended stowaways were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary actions.

Warning to Potential Stowaways

The Nigerian Navy underscored the perilous nature of attempting to travel as a stowaway, citing severe legal consequences and significant health risks, including exposure to harsh weather conditions, lack of sustenance, injuries, and even fatalities.

In conclusion, the Navy seized the opportunity to dissuade Nigerian youths from engaging in such perilous endeavors, emphasizing the importance of pursuing safer and legal avenues for travel and opportunity.

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