9 NIGERIANS ATTEMPTING TO STOWAWAY TO EUROPE THROUGH THE GAMBIA RETURNED TO NIGERIA VIA (MMIA) IN LAGOS 06-12-23
By Sadiq Aminu Nine Nigerians attempting to stowaway to Europe through The Gambia have been brought back to Nigeria through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
They were handed over on arrival to the Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) MMIA Command, Mrs Adeola Adesokan by The Gambian Immigration Officials.
Expressing regret for their actions, the stowaways attributed their decision to friends who had successfully taken the same route to Europe.
The young adults, aged 21 to 30, had tried to reach Europe via The Gambia sea but were spotted by the ship captain, who promptly alerted neighboring security agencies.
To evade arrest, the returnees said, they jumped into the high sea, with two struggling to swim.
Fortunately, they were rescued and taken to the Nigeria High Commission in The Gambia, where emergency travel documents were processed for their repatriation to Nigeria.
The NIS Comptroller, Mrs. Adeola Adesokan cautioned against irregular travels to Europe, emphasizing the inherent dangers.
She expressed concern about the recurring stowaway incidents and urged Nigerians to refrain from such perilous attempts.
The MMIA NIS Comptroller pleaded with irregular travelers to follow legal channels, stressing the risks associated with illegal entry and the subsequent challenges faced abroad.
The authorities emphasized the need for legal, well-planned travels to avoid life-threatening situations and legal consequences.
One of the returnees, Abdul Yakubu, revealed he was coerced into the journey while selling noodles and dried eggs on Lagos Island, losing N70,000 in the process.
Daniel Vincent, another returnee, recounted his shock upon realizing he had not left Africa’s shores after three days at sea. He cautioned against such endeavors, labeling the experience regrettable.
A boat driver, who had unsuccessfully attempted stowaway, disclosed being influenced by a friend’s success using the illegal method.