By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Navy has handed over three suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service after rescuing them from a merchant vessel at the Dangote Terminal, Lagos.
The suspects, identified as Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22), and Amoh Michael (25), were discovered on March 28, 2026, concealed in the rudder compartment of MT Anatolia.
The handover was carried out on April 1, 2026, by Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft as part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration to tackle illegal migration and enhance maritime security.
In a statement signed by the Commander, NNS Beecroft, A Adams-Aliu, the Navy disclosed that the suspects, all Ghanaian nationals, had earlier travelled to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they reportedly engaged in fishing activities for about one year.
“They later boarded the vessel illegally using a canoe before it departed Ivorian waters with the intention of travelling to Europe,” the statement noted.
The Navy said the suspects alerted the ship’s crew after several hours at sea, mistakenly believing they had reached their destination, which led to their discovery.
They were subsequently evacuated and taken to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation and profiling before being handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The Navy warned against the dangers of illegal migration, urging parents, guardians, and community leaders to sensitise youths.
It added that it would continue to support efforts aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.