Nine Nigerian stowaways bound for Europe rescued after jumping into high seas off Gambia

MMIA Command Controller AA Adesokan with Gambia Immigration Service team leader

The Nigerian Immigration Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos Command, has received nine Nigerians who attempted to smuggle into Europe through The Gambia.

The stowaways were brought back to Nigeria aboard a flight via Lomé, Togo on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

The stowaways, aged between 21 and 30, claimed they were lured into the trip by some of their friends who were lucky enough to reach Europe via the same route.

It was gathered that the Nigerian youths attempted to travel to Europe through the Gambian Sea but were spotted by the captain of the ship who immediately alerted security agencies in the neighboring country.

In an attempt to escape arrest, the stowaways jumped into the high seas, with two of them struggling to swim.

They were eventually rescued from drowning and taken to the Nigerian High Commission in The Gambia, which immediately processed emergency travel documents for them to be repatriated to Nigeria, despite their reluctance to return to the country.

In an interview with newsmen, the Controller, NIS, MMIA Command, Mrs. Adekola Adesokan, advised Nigerians against irregular travel to Europe, describing it as a death trap.

She lamented the incessant stowaway incidents among Nigerians and warned them against it.

According to her, such a trip was a death trap waiting to happen, lamenting that many Nigerians have lost their lives through such means in the past.

She explained that the nine stowaways were handed over to the MMIA command by Gambian immigration service officials.

“About nine Nigerians were sent back by Gambian immigration officials for attempting to stow away on the high seas and two of them almost lost their lives in the process because when they were discovered, they tried to escape and jumped into the high seas. Unfortunately for them, two of them didn’t know how to swim,” she explained.

“The captain of the ship had to contact the country in the neighborhood for the rescue mission. Security guards were able to quickly rescue them, put them on the boat and take them to a hotel where they were given food.

“But they resisted a lot and refused to return to Nigeria. They continued to demand money from the immigration service before they could return to Nigeria. They were eventually taken to the Nigerian High Commission in The Gambia, which convinced them and issued travel documents for emergency so that they can be brought back to Nigeria through the MMIA.”

She also appealed to these irregular travelers to desist and follow the right channel of travel to any country of their choice.

“We need to change our mentality. When they arrive illegally, the first thing is that they will start to hide and when they are caught they will be deported. can't be proud of what you do to your friends and family

“They should look before they leap. Most of the time, it can be a one-way journey. I'm not saying you can't travel abroad, but go there legally, read your books, apply it the right way, apply herself to travel and showcase Nigeria as a very intelligent nation in the community of nations,” she said.

In his statement, one of the stowaways, Abdul Yakubu, alleged that he sold noodles and dried eggs on Lagos Island before he was persuaded to embark on the trip.

Yakubu said he paid N70,000 to the man who introduced him and boarded the ship.

Another returnee, Daniel Vincent, said he thought he would be in Europe after three days of travel.

Vincent said he was shocked to realize they had not left the coast of Africa when they were detected by the ship's crew and handed over to immigration in The Gambia.

“We were told we would be in Europe in five or six days. We had no food or water with us when we boarded the ship at Tin Can port in Lagos. enemies to board,” he said.

A boat driver who declined to give his name claimed he once embarked on an unsuccessful trip as a stowaway.

He said he was convinced to embark on the trip by a friend who successfully entered Europe through an illegal method.

Source: www.lindaikejisblog.com