The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has arrested three Ghanaian stowaways on board a merchant vessel MV Anatolia, in Lagos.
The Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, told newsmen at a briefing in Lagos that the arrested persons were attempting to migrate illegally to Europe by hiding inside the vessel, which berthed at the Dangote Terminal after departing from Côte d’Ivoire.
Shortly after the briefing, the Navy handed the suspects over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Commodore Adams- Aliu disclosed that the suspects concealed themselves in the ship’s rudder compartment in a desperate attempt to reach Europe.
Investigations showed that the trio had previously relocated from Ghana to Abidjan, where they lived and worked as fishermen for about a year before embarking on the perilous journey.
“They accessed the vessel from Abidjan and hid in a confined compartment before departure. Upon arrival in Lagos, they came out believing they had reached Europe, which led to their arrest,” Adams-Aliu said.
The suspects identified as Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22), and Amoh Michael (25), were found on 28 March 2026, after spending about two days onboard under harsh conditions.
Naval officials said the men gained access to the vessel using a canoe before it sailed out of Ivorian waters.
Following their arrest, they were taken to NNS Beecroft for profiling before being transferred to immigration authorities for further action, including possible repatriation.
The Navy noted that the interception highlights ongoing collaboration among security agencies to curb illegal migration and safeguard Nigeria’s maritime environment.
In his reaction, Commodore Adams-Aliu warned that stowing away on ships remains one of the most dangerous forms of illegal migration.
He explained that individuals who hide in ship compartments face severe risks, including suffocation, dehydration and illness due to the extremely harsh environment.
Adams-Aliu called on parents, guardians and community leaders across the region to discourage young people from attempting such journeys.
“This practice is not only unlawful but puts lives at serious risk. It should be strongly discouraged at all levels,” he said.
He further assured shipping companies and maritime stakeholders that Nigerian waters remain secure for lawful operations.
He gave assurances that NNS Beecroft will continue to enforce the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to protect the country’s maritime domain and ensure uninterrupted commercial activities.
Surveillance and clamp down on illegal activities will be intensified within Nigeria’s territorial waters, the Navy assured.
