Four African migrants found after escaping detention facility in St Kitts

Loop News- Four out of the five African migrants who escaped a detention facility on the island of St Kitts have been found.

The Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force says the search continues for Cameroon national Nicolas Areche who remains at large.

A search was launched this week for five Cameroonian detainees who unlawfully left a government detention facility on April 26. Four of the detainees have since been found.

Initially, nine of the nationals had escaped the detention facility where a total of 14 Cameroonians are being detained.

The Ministry of National Security gave some background into the situation yesterday and stated that on March 28, 2023, the St Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard (SKNCG) responded to a call for help at sea. The situation turned out to be a rescue mission for a number of Cameroon nationals who were found alive after their boat capsized after leaving Antigua and Barbuda.

The Cameroonians were transported to St Kitts; provided with medical and psychological care; and detained at a government facility pending repatriation to Antigua and Barbuda.

A total of 17 Cameroonians were brought to St Kitts by the SKNCG on March 28. Regrettably, three of them were deceased, having perished before being rescued.

The Ministry said that after initially agreeing to accept the repatriation of the other 14 Cameroonians, Antigua and Barbuda has now rescinded this offer, thereby cancelling the pending arrangement.