The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Tuesday handed over two suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) after they were caught attempting to illegally migrate to Spain.
Addressing journalists at the Naval Base during a brief handover ceremony, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said that the suspects were intercepted in the early hours of Thursday, March 19, 2026.
He said the suspects, identified as Abdullahi Yakubu (36), a repeat offender from Adamawa State, and Omoniyi Afotona (25), from Ondo State, were discovered hiding within the rudder compartment of a merchant vessel, MV SEASPAN LAHORE, during routine security checks by operatives while the vessel was underway around Lagos Fairway Buoy.
“The suspects were safely extracted and brought to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigations.
“Both individuals are believed to have gained unauthorised access to the vessel’s rudder compartment at Apapa Port prior to its departure.
“While migration is the right of anyone that wishes to, there are legal ways to leave the country, ” the Commander said, maintaining that hiding onboard a ship is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.
He urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to educate the youth on the dangers of stowaway attempts, encouraging those with aspirations to travel to use legitimate channels.
The Commander emphasized that under his leadership, NNS BEECROFT remains committed to the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to ensure a secure maritime environment.
He assured international shipping companies that vessels engaging in legal economic activities in Nigerian waters have nothing to fear.
The suspects were there after officially handed over to the Deputy Superintendent of Immigration, DSI Eneji Emmanuel Ochokpa, of the Lagos Ports/Marine Command, Apapa.
Ochokpa confirmed that the individuals will be investigated and profiled before being handed over to the Police for prosecution.
One of the suspects, Abdullahi Yakubu, admitted to being a repeat offender.
He said he opted for the journey because he lacked the financial means to secure a visa through legal routes.
He further revealed that they were assisted onto the vessel by unidentified accomplices.
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