The Nigerian Navy has handed over nine suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) after rescuing them from a merchant vessel in Lagos.
The suspects were handed over by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft on Friday, following their discovery two days earlier concealed inside the propeller compartment of the MT Evgenia.
According to the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, August 19, and evacuated to the naval base for preliminary investigation and profiling.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspects had boarded the vessel while it was berthed at Flour Mills Jetty, Apapa, allegedly with the intention of travelling illegally to Europe.
The suspects were identified as Thompson Vincent, 23; Emmanuel Philip, 24; Tobi Olalekan, 32; Omotayo Adebowale, 43; Abdullahi Idowu, 21; Tunde Mustapha, 19; Jamiu Ismaila, 25; Ibrahim Alabi, 30; and Christian Kadiri, 22.
Navy Warns Against Illegal Stowaway Attempts
Adams-Aliu described the handover as part of ongoing cooperation between security agencies to combat illegal migration and strengthen maritime safety.
He urged parents, guardians and other community leaders to discourage young people from attempting to board seagoing vessels illegally, warning that such journeys expose them to serious risks.
According to him, the dangers associated with illegal stowaway attempts extend beyond Nigeria and could affect migrants travelling through other West African coastal states.
The commander also reaffirmed the commitment of NNS Beecroft to supporting the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in maintaining a professional naval force capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting national security operations.
The nine suspects have now been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary action.
