The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over five suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of efforts to combat illegal migration and strengthen maritime security.
The handover, which took place on Monday, June 22, followed the rescue of the suspects from MT CHINAFRIE HAPPINESS after they were discovered hiding in the vessel’s rudder compartment while allegedly attempting to travel illegally to India.
The Nigerian Navy in a joint operation with the personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service Western Marine Command conducted a coordinated operation leading to the success of the mission.
According to the Nigerian Navy, the suspects were found on Wednesday, June 17, during routine security checks on the merchant vessel. They were safely evacuated from the confined compartment and taken to NNS BEECROFT for medical attention, preliminary investigation and profiling.
The Navy identified the suspects as Segun Samuel Boyewa, 31; Kingsley Chukwu, 43; Joseph Judge, 33; Moses Aletor, 24; and Abdullahi Danlami, 31.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the five men allegedly boarded the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos with the intention of travelling illegally to India without the knowledge or authorisation of the ship’s crew.
Speaking during the handover, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT said transferring the suspects to the Nigeria Immigration Service underscored the strong collaboration among security agencies in tackling illegal migration and other maritime crimes.
He explained that a stowaway is a person who secretly boards a ship or other means of transportation with the intention of travelling to another country without legal authorisation, noting that the practice poses significant security and safety risks to both the individuals involved and maritime operations.
The naval commander urged parents, guardians and community leaders to sensitise young people on the dangers of attempting to migrate illegally through seagoing vessels, warning that such journeys often expose victims to life-threatening conditions and prosecution under relevant laws.
He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime domain and preventing criminal activities within the country’s territorial waters.
According to him, NNS BEECROFT will continue to support the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, by deploying a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests, supporting joint security operations and defending the country’s sovereignty.
The handover forms part of ongoing inter-agency efforts to enhance border security, curb irregular migration and strengthen law enforcement along Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
