The tendency for some Nigerians to overstay or disappear when on trips to developed countries seems to have hit the Nigerian Navy too.
Forty-three of its ratings have disappeared, forcing it to declare them wanted.
They were said to be on an assignment to Europe when they absconded.
The syndrome had been occurring among sportsmen, scholars and other professionals, thus making many organisers and hosts of certain trips to hold on to the passports of the travellers.
This has, however, not completely stopped the disappearance saga as many people involved have been pushed to the wall by the socio-economic and political contradictions in the country.
A report in ‘The Punch’ indicates that the Nigerian Navy issued a circular containing the names and photographs of the deserters displayed at the Navy Headquarters in Abuja, requested anyone with useful information that could lead to their arrest to report to the nearest naval facility or police station.
The deserted officers include L.O. Chiegboka, E. S. Anthony, A. Yusuf, I. E. Brown, S. C. Adiele, K. Armstrong, A. Hassan and G. Osazuwa.
“Above are the Nigerian Navy personnel who have deserted from Service recently.
“Accordingly, you are pleased requested to assist in providing useful information that will lead to their arrest or you may apprehend any one of them when seen and handover to the nearest Nigerian Navy base or security station,” the Navy authorities are quoted as saying in the circular.
