A Nigerian man arrested for illegally boarding a vessel at the Lagos Roadstead in an attempt to travel overseas, has spoken on his determination to leave the country.
Osas Nusakare was arrested and paraded alongside 13 other stowaways that were onboard the foreign vessel.
The 45-year-old confessed that he wanted to celebrate the New Year in a European country. He said this was his second attempt, insisting that he would try his luck again until he succeeds.
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.
“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.
The 14 stowaways were arrested last Friday onboard a motor tanker, UOG CONSTANTINE, by naval officers from NNS BEECROFT.
Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT who doubles as the Commander Of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, said the suspects’ arrest was sequel to an intelligence that was received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.
“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 said.
