- He also revealed that the navy seized 265 bags of cannabis sativa in 2024
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 67 stowaways attempting to leave the country on foreign-bound vessels, outgoing commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Oladejo, has said.
Speaking at his send-off parade in Lagos, he said the most recent arrest was of eight stowaways found aboard the MSC Katyani on 20 January.
He also revealed that the navy seized 265 bags of cannabis sativa in 2024, including 193 bags weighing 7,720kg in Badagry in March and 72 bags weighing 2,880kg in Ilashe in October.
More than 18 large wooden boats carrying foreign rice, petroleum products and other contraband were also intercepted and handed over to authorities, he added.
The Nigerian Navy has been stepping up efforts to tackle maritime crime, including illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and sea robbery.
The outgoing commander said the navy had recently conducted a search and rescue operation for the MV Mamaluck off the coast of Lekki on 29 January.
During the official handover ceremony at NNS BEECROFT’s headquarters, Commodore Paul Nimmyel was named as the new base commander.
He warned those involved in illegal maritime activities to “stay out of trouble”, adding that the navy was intensifying efforts to curb sea piracy and smuggling.
Commodore Nimmyel, a Plateau State native, has degrees in political science, international relations and strategic studies, and is currently pursuing a PhD.
Discussion about this post