NNS BEECROFT intercepts illegal migration attempt, transfers suspects to Immigration for due process, repatriation
NNS BEECROFT intercepts illegal migration attempt, transfers suspects to Immigration for due process, repatriation
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over three suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following their dramatic rescue from a merchant vessel, MT ANATOLIA, in Lagos.
The suspects, identified as Armah Peter, 26; Amisah Daniel, 22 and Amoh Michael, 25,vall Ghanaian nationals, were discovered concealed in the rudder compartment of the vessel while it was berthed at the Dangote Terminal on March 28, 2026.
Naval authorities disclosed that the trio had attempted a perilous illegal journey to Europe by secretly boarding the vessel from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they had reportedly resided and worked as fishermen for about a year. Using a canoe, they gained access to the ship’s rudder compartment before departure, enduring dangerous conditions at sea.
Their journey, however, ended prematurely when, after several hours, they mistakenly believed they had reached their destination and alerted the crew leading to their discovery and rescue.
The suspects were safely evacuated and taken to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling before being formally handed over to the NIS. The Immigration Service is expected to process the individuals and facilitate their transfer to the Ghanaian Embassy in line with legal and diplomatic procedures.
The Nigerian Navy described the operation as part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration aimed at tackling illegal migration and strengthening maritime security across the region.
Authorities also used the incident to issue a renewed warning to youths across West Africa against engaging in dangerous stowaway attempts, noting the life-threatening risks involved.
Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, in line with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff to maintain a professional and responsive force capable of defending national sovereignty and supporting internal stability.
The Navy urged the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies in curbing illegal maritime activities.
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