The Nigerian Navy has handed over three Ghanaian stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel to the Nigeria Immigration Service, in a move aimed at strengthening efforts against illegal migration.
The Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, stated that the handover reflects ongoing collaboration among security agencies to enhance maritime safety and security. He spoke during the exercise held at the base’s parade ground in Apapa, Lagos on April 1, 2026.
According to him, the suspects will be processed in line with legal procedures before being transferred to the Ghanaian Embassy.
Adams-Aliu explained that investigations identified the suspects as Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22), and Amoh Michael (25), all nationals of Ghana. He noted that they had previously travelled to Abidjan, where they lived and worked as fishermen for about a year.
Further findings revealed that the trio used a canoe to gain access to the rudder compartment of the vessel, MT ANATOLIA, in a bid to stow away to Europe.
“On Wednesday, 1 April 2026, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT handed over three suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel, MT ANATOLIA, to the Nigeria Immigration Service,” the statement read.
“For clarity, a stowaway is a person who conceals themselves aboard a vessel with the intent of travelling illegally to another country without authorisation.
“The handover forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between security agencies to curb illegal migration and enhance maritime safety and security.
“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.
“They were safely evacuated from the compartment and conveyed 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.
“Further inquiry revealed 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.
“Once again, parents, guardians, and authority figures within the society are requested to advise their youths against attempting to board sea-going vessels illegally.
“As we can see today, this advice extends beyond Nigerian society to neighbouring countries in the west coast of Africa.”
The commander reaffirmed that the Navy would continue to align with the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, to maintain a professional force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting national security.
