NNS BEECROFT Hands over Three Europe-bound Ghanaian Stowaways to Nigeria Immigration Service 

Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over three suspected Ghanaian stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel, MT ANATOLIA, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration and strengthen maritime security.

The suspects, who tried to illegally migrate to Europe, were formally transferred on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, at the NNS BEECROFT parade ground in Lagos, in an operation underscoring sustained collaboration among security agencies to enhance maritime safety and security along Nigeria’s coastline.

Commanding Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu, explained that the handover forms part of inter-agency cooperation to address irregular migration and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain. 

He noted that the Nigeria Immigration Service would be responsible for transferring the suspects to the Ghanaian Embassy after the completion of proper judicial procedures.

He further clarified that a stowaway is a person who conceals himself aboard a vessel with the intent of travelling illegally to another country without authorisation.

The suspects were discovered on Saturday, 28 March 2026, concealed within the rudder compartment of the vessel while the ship was berthed at Dangote Terminal, Lagos, in a development that raised concerns over maritime vulnerabilities.

Naval personnel promptly evacuated the men from the confined compartment and conveyed them 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 suspects had earlier travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they reportedly lived and engaged in fishing activities for about one year before embarking on the journey.

Further inquiry indicated that, with the aid of a canoe, they gained access to the rudder compartment of MT ANATOLIA before the vessel departed Ivorian waters, with the intention of travelling illegally to Europe. 

After several hours at sea, believing they had arrived at their intended destination, they alerted the vessel’s crew, leading to their detection and subsequent rescue.

The Navy used the occasion to caution parents, guardians, and community leaders across West Africa to advise young people against attempting to board sea-going vessels illegally, stressing that the risks associated with such ventures far outweigh any perceived opportunities abroad.

Commodore Adams-Aliu reaffirmed that NNS BEECROFT, under his command, will continue to actualise the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, 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 the maintenance of internal stability”.