Nigerian Navy Transfers Three Ghanaian Stowaways to Immigration Authorities
The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT has officially handed over three suspected Ghanaian stowaways, who were rescued from the merchant vessel MT ANATOLIA, to the Nigeria Immigration Service. This significant transfer underscores the ongoing collaborative efforts between Nigerian security agencies to address illegal migration and strengthen maritime safety and security protocols.
Formal Handover Ceremony in Lagos
Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, presided over the handover ceremony, which took place at the NNS BEECROFT parade ground in Apapa, Lagos State, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. During the event, Commodore Adams-Aliu emphasized that the Nigeria Immigration Service will assume responsibility for the suspects, ensuring their transfer to the Ghanaian Embassy following proper judicial procedures.
Commodore Adams-Aliu stated, "This handover forms a crucial part of our ongoing collaborative efforts with other security agencies to curb illegal migration and enhance maritime safety and security across our waters."
Investigation Details and Suspect Profiles
Investigations conducted by the Nigerian Navy revealed the following details about the suspects:
- Armah Peter, aged 26
- Amisah Daniel, aged 22
- Amoh Michael, aged 25
All three individuals are male nationals of Ghana. According to the inquiry, they had previously traveled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they resided and engaged in fishing activities for approximately one year. Subsequently, with the assistance of a canoe, they gained unauthorized access to the rudder compartment of the MT ANATOLIA before the vessel departed Ivorian waters, intending to travel illegally to Europe.
Discovery and Rescue Operation
The suspects were discovered on Saturday, March 28, 2026, while concealed within the rudder compartment of the vessel, which was berthed at the Dangote Terminal in Lagos. After being safely evacuated from the compartment, they were transported to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling.
After several hours at sea, the stowaways, mistakenly believing they had reached their intended destination, alerted the vessel's crew. This action led to their detection and subsequent rescue by naval authorities.
Broader Implications and Public Advisory
Commodore Adams-Aliu issued a stern warning to parents, guardians, and authority figures within society, urging them to advise youths against attempting to board sea-going vessels illegally. He highlighted that this advisory extends beyond Nigerian society to neighboring countries along the West African coast, emphasizing the regional nature of the issue.
Commodore Adams-Aliu further noted, "NNS BEECROFT, under my command, will continue to actualize the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, 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 the maintenance of internal stability."
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by illegal migration and the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining maritime security. The Nigerian Navy's proactive measures aim to deter such activities and protect both national and regional maritime domains from security threats associated with unauthorized travel.
