The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, has handed over three suspected Ghanaian stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration and strengthen maritime security.
The Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
Adams-Aliu said the suspects were rescued from a merchant vessel, MT ANATOLIA, and formally transferred to immigration authorities on Wednesday in Lagos.
A stowaway is defined as a person who secretly boards a vessel with the intention of travelling illegally to another country without proper authorisation.
According to the commander, the suspects were discovered on March 28, concealed in the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at Dangote Terminal in Lagos.
“They were subsequently evacuated safely and taken to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling.
“Initial findings identified the suspects as Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22), and Amoh Michael (25), all male nationals of Ghana.
“Investigations revealed that the trio had travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they reportedly lived and worked as fishermen for about a year.
“Further inquiry showed that they gained access to the vessel’s rudder compartment with the aid of a canoe before it departed Ivorian waters, intending to stow away to Europe.
“However, after spending several hours at sea and mistakenly believing they had reached their destination, they alerted the ship’s crew, leading to their discovery and rescue,” he said.
Adams-Aliu warned youths across West Africa against attempting to board sea-going vessels illegally, noting the grave dangers associated with such acts.
He also called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to sensitise young people on the risks of irregular migration.
The Commander reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He said the command would continue to align with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to maintain a highly professional and motivated naval force capable of defending national sovereignty and ensuring internal stability.
According to him, the handover underscores sustained collaboration among security agencies in addressing maritime threats and illegal migration.
