The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over three suspected Ghanaian stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) after they were discovered aboard a merchant vessel in Lagos waters.
The suspects were rescued from the merchant vessel MT ANATOLIA and formally transferred to immigration authorities on Wednesday at the NNS BEECROFT parade ground in Apapa, Lagos State.
The Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the handover is part of ongoing collaboration among security agencies aimed at curbing illegal migration and strengthening maritime safety and security across Nigerian waters.
He explained that the stowaways were discovered on Saturday concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at the Dangote Terminal in Lagos.
According to him, naval personnel safely evacuated the individuals from the compartment before transporting them to the naval base for preliminary investigation and profiling.
Preliminary findings identified the suspects as Armah Peter, 26; Amisah Daniel, 22; and Amoh Michael, 25, all male nationals of Ghana.
Commodore Adams-Aliu further revealed that investigations showed the suspects had previously travelled from Ghana to Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, where they reportedly lived and worked as fishermen for about a year before attempting the risky journey.
He explained that the men allegedly used a canoe to gain access to the vessel’s rudder compartment, with the intention of stowing away to Europe in search of better opportunities.
However, after several hours at sea, the suspects reportedly believed they had reached their destination and revealed their presence to the ship’s crew, which led to their discovery and subsequent rescue.
The Navy Commander noted that following standard procedures, the suspects have now been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, which will carry out further processing and coordinate their transfer to the Ghanaian Embassy in line with legal and diplomatic protocols.
Adams-Aliu used the opportunity to caution young people and members of the public against engaging in illegal migration attempts, especially by attempting to board vessels without authorization, warning that such actions are extremely dangerous and often life-threatening.
He stressed that the message extends beyond Nigeria, urging youths across West Africa to seek legitimate and safe means of travel and livelihood.
Reaffirming the Navy’s commitment, he stated that NNS BEECROFT, under his command, will continue to support the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in maintaining a professional and highly responsive naval force.
According to him, the goal remains to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime interests, support joint operations, and contribute effectively to national security and internal stability.
The operation highlights the growing vigilance of Nigerian maritime security agencies in intercepting illegal activities and ensuring safety within the country’s territorial waters.
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