The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Beecroft) on Wednesday handed over three suspected Ghanaian stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (Nigeria Immigration Service) after they were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MT Anatolia, in Lagos waters.
The suspects were rescued after being found concealed in the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at the Dangote Terminal in Lagos State.
They were subsequently evacuated and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation and profiling.
The Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, confirmed the development during the official handing over ceremony held at the naval base parade ground in Apapa, Lagos.
He explained that the exercise reflects ongoing cooperation between maritime security agencies aimed at curbing illegal migration and strengthening safety across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
According to him, the Nigeria Immigration Service will take over further processing of the suspects, including arrangements for their transfer to the Ghanaian Embassy after due legal procedures are completed.
“The suspects were discovered on Saturday, concealed within the rudder compartment of the vessel, while the ship was berthed at Dangote Terminal, Lagos,” Adams-Aliu said.
“They were safely evacuated from the compartment and conveyed to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation and profiling.”
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects identified as Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22), and Amoh Michael (25) are all Ghanaian nationals.
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Investigations further showed that they had previously travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they reportedly lived and engaged in fishing activities for about a year.
The Navy stated that the men allegedly gained access to the vessel’s rudder compartment using a canoe, with the intention of travelling illegally to Europe.
However, after spending hours at sea, they reportedly believed they had reached their destination and alerted the ship’s crew, which led to their discovery.
Commodore Adams-Aliu used the opportunity to caution young people across West Africa against attempting illegal sea voyages, stressing the dangers involved in such journeys.
He also reaffirmed that the Navy remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain in line with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which focuses on maintaining professionalism, protecting national interests, and supporting internal security operations.