Navy Hands Over Two Suspected Stowaways to Immigration in Crackdown on Illegal Sea Migration
Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT of the Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following their rescue from a merchant vessel off the Lagos coast, reinforcing ongoing efforts to curb illegal maritime migration and safeguard lives at sea.
The handover took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the parade ground of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Naval Base Apapa, Lagos, where the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, formally transferred custody of the suspects to immigration authorities for further processing and prosecution.
The suspects were earlier discovered in the early hours of Thursday, March 19, 2026, aboard the merchant vessel MV SEASPAN LAHORE, where they had concealed themselves in a highly dangerous section of the ship in a desperate attempt to travel abroad undetected.
The Commander said the men were found hiding within the vessel’s rudder compartment during routine security checks conducted by NNS BEECROFT personnel while the ship was underway around the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
Following the discovery, the Navy safely extracted the individuals and transported them to the naval base for preliminary investigation.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Yakubu, 36, described as a repeat offender, and Omoniyi Afotona, 25. Both individuals were believed to have gained access to the vessel’s rudder compartment at Apapa Port prior to its departure.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Commodore Adams-Aliu warned that stowing away on ships remains both illegal and life-threatening, calling on parents, guardians, and community leaders to intensify efforts in educating young Nigerians about the risks associated with irregular migration.
He said: “Parents, guardians, and persons of authority within the society should educate young men and women that hiding onboard a ship to migrate from Nigeria is illegal and dangerous. Hence, Nigerian youths with migration aspirations should endeavour to use legal means of travel.”
The naval commander also reaffirmed the operational commitment of NNS BEECROFT to national security and maritime safety, noting that his command would continue to align with the strategic vision of the Chief of Naval Staff.
Commodore Adams-Aliu stated: “NNS BEECROFT under my command will continue to actualize the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), which is to deploy a highly motivated and professional Naval Force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing effectively to joint operations in defence of national sovereignty and maintaining internal stability.”
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the Nigeria Immigration Service, DSI Emmanuel Ochokpa Eneji of the Lagos Seaport and Marine Command confirmed that the individuals would undergo profiling and documentation before being transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution and further necessary action.
The latest interception underscores growing concerns among maritime security agencies over the persistence of illegal sea escape attempts, often undertaken through hazardous methods that expose individuals to extreme danger, including the risk of death at sea.
Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to pursue migration through lawful and regulated channels, emphasising that safety and national security remain paramount.
