Osas Nusakare, one of the 14 stowaways arrested onboard a foreign vessel at the Lagos Roadstead, has confessed that he wanted to celebrate the New Year in a European country.
45-year-old Nusakare said this was his second attempt, insisting that he would try his luck again untill he succeeds.
The 14 stowaways were arrested last Friday onboard a motor tanker, UOG CONSTANTINE, by naval officers from NNS BEECROFT.
Nusakare said he had boarded the vessel with the intention of travelling to Europe, but their presence was noticed before the ship sailed out of Lagos water.
It was learnt that the ship had gone to discharge petroleum product in one of the tank firms in Lagos.
"We joined the vessel with the aim of travelling to any country in Europe. We were encouraged by the fact that we were going to celebrate the New Year in Europe. This is my second attempt. I am not discouraged. I will continue to try untill I succeed," he added.
Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT who doubles as the Commander Of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga confirmed the arrest.
Commodore Oguntuga said identified the 14 suspects as Osas Nusakare, 45; Okechi Chika, 44; Stephen Mmuta, 35; Ibrahim Hassan, 30;
Ebuka Onura, 22; Emmanuel Godbless, 30; Ayefuwe Collins, 27 and Victor Egoma, 35.
Others are Alfred Ese, 32; Abbubakar Ibrahim, 20; Godspower Moses, 21; Aki Opeoluwa, 33; Okonkwo Gift, 25 and
Oluwa Tosin Sunday, 40.
He said the suspects' arrest was sequel to an intelligence that was received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.
He said the patrol team of the Nigerian Navy Ship successfully intercepted and extracted the 14 stowaways from MOTOR TANKER UOG CONSTANTINE at Lagos Roadstead.
"On receipt of the information the actuarial teams swiftly boarded the vessel and discovered movements within the rudder compartment.
"Two of the apprehended stowaways had previously been arrested for a similar offence just a month ago, emphasizing the persistence of such illicit activities.
"The brave efforts of the patrol team averted life-threatening conditions for the individuals confined in the vessel's compartment, emphasizing the Nigerian Navy's commitment to maritime safety.
"The arrested stowaways were promptly handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) following established protocols for further necessary action.
"The incident underscores the Nigerian Navy's unwavering commitment to its constitutional role under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation's economic prosperity," he added.
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