The Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service after intercepting them while attempting to illegally leave the country aboard a vessel in Lagos waters.
The suspects were discovered on Thursday, March 19, 2026, hidden inside the rudder compartment of a cargo vessel identified as Seaspan Lahore. The ship was reportedly exiting Nigerian waters when naval operatives apprehended the individuals during routine maritime surveillance.
Speaking during the handover, the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu explained that the stowaways had concealed themselves in a highly dangerous section of the vessel in a desperate attempt to migrate out of Nigeria undetected.
He warned that such actions not only violate immigration laws but also pose serious risks to life, given the hazardous conditions within ship compartments.
His words: “While migration is a fundamental right, it must be done through legal and safe channels. Hiding on board ships is both illegal and life-threatening.”
Commodore Adams-Aliu called on parents, community leaders, and relevant authorities to intensify efforts in educating young people about the dangers of irregular migration, stressing that desperation to leave the country should not push individuals into unsafe and unlawful practices.
He revealed that one of the apprehended suspects is a repeat offender who had previously attempted to leave Nigeria through similar means, underscoring the growing concern over the trend of stowaways in Lagos waters.
The naval authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment in line with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas. He assured that vessels engaged in legitimate economic activities in Nigerian waters have nothing to fear, as the Navy remains focused on curbing illegal activities at sea.
The suspects, along with relevant documentation, were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary action.
The Navy also urged Nigerian youths to desist from seeking irregular migration routes, emphasizing that there are lawful and structured pathways for those who wish to travel abroad.
