The Nigerian Navy has handed over suspected stowaways to DSI Eneji Emmanuel Ochokpa of the Lagos Ports/Marine Command, Apapa, Lagos, as authorities intensify efforts to curb illegal maritime migration.
The Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, disclosed that the suspects were transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) officer for further investigation.
He explained that stowaways are individuals who secretly board vessels with the intention of travelling abroad without proper authorisation.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and preventing unlawful activities along Nigeria’s waterways.
The suspects were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, 19 March 2026, hiding within the rudder compartment of the vessel during routine security checks by NNS BEECROFT personnel while the vessel was underway around Lagos Fairway Buoy.
Thereafter, they were safely extracted and brought to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation. Initial findings identified the suspects as Abdullahi Yakubu, 36 years old, (male) a repeat offender and Omoniyi Afotona, 25 years old, (male).
Both individuals are believed to have gained unauthorised access to the vessel’s rudder compartment at Apapa Port prior to its departure.
Commodore Adams-Aliu said; “It is very important for parents, guardians and persons of authority within the society to 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.”
“Finally, please note that NNS BEECROFT under my command, will continue to actualise 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,” he added.