In a daring attempt to reach Europe and celebrate the New Year in a foreign land, Osas Nusakare, a 45-year-old man, found himself among 14 stowaways arrested aboard the motor tanker, UOG CONSTANTINE, at the Lagos Roadstead. Nusakare, undeterred by his recent capture, revealed that this was his second endeavor and vowed to persist until he succeeds.
The unfolding events took place last Friday when naval officers from NNS BEECROFT apprehended the group of stowaways. Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship and Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, confirmed the arrest of the 14 suspects, identifying them by name and age.
Nusakare, speaking openly about his motivations, disclosed, “We joined the vessel with the aim of traveling 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 until I succeed.”
The motor tanker had initially gone to discharge petroleum products in a Lagos tank firm, and it was during this time that the stowaways boarded the vessel with hopes of reaching Europe. Unfortunately for them, their presence was noticed before the ship set sail from Lagos waters.
Commodore Oguntuga explained that the suspects' arrest resulted from intelligence received from the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment. The Nigerian Navy patrol team swiftly acted on the information, boarding the vessel and extracting the 14 stowaways from the rudder compartment.
Highlighting the persistence of such illicit activities, Commodore Oguntuga mentioned that two of the apprehended stowaways had been arrested for a similar offense just a month prior. The efforts of the patrol team not only averted potential life-threatening conditions for the individuals confined in the vessel's compartment but also underscored 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, according to Commodore Oguntuga, emphasizes the Nigerian Navy's unwavering commitment to its constitutional role, reinforcing the dedication to creating a secure maritime environment for the nation's economic prosperity.
As Osas Nusakare remains determined to achieve his goal of celebrating the New Year in Europe, the incident sheds light on the challenges faced by both security forces and those attempting perilous journeys in search of a better life
