Navy intercepts ship from Gabon with illegal migrants

chika ebuzor

January 22, 2016 4:59 AM

Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir said this was in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the dumping of illegal immigrants on the country’s shores.

The Nigerian Navy in Calabar, Cross-Rivers state has intercepted a ship from Gabon carrying 41 illegal migrants and 183 Nigerians.

According to Vanguard, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the command, Rear Admiral Atiku Abdulkadir said this was in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the dumping of illegal immigrants on the country’s shores.

He also gave a break-down of the passengers on the ship.

Abdulkadir said “Over 35 of them again are with emergency travel certificates and no passport. We are trying to work with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to re-assure ourselves that they are not of any dangerous character.

“It is a big concern to us that people are coming into this country without proper travel documents.

Read: Nigerian Navy impound trucks, cars with illegally refined AGO

“Now that there is Lassa Fever and other health challenges, we also want to ensure that those that are here are of no health threat to the people around.”

He also said the Nigerians will be thoroughly screened, before allowed to go, adding that the illegal immigrants will be sent back to their countries.

A 34-year old woman, Emma Louisewas arraigned in court, sometime ago, for marrying an illegal immigrant.

chika ebuzor