Nigerian Navy Cracks Down On Illegal Maritime Migration, Hands Over Stowaways To Immigration Authorities

Nigerian Navy Cracks Down On Illegal Maritime Migration, Hands Over Stowaways To Immigration Authorities

Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on 24 March 2026 handed over two suspected stowaways rescued from MV SEASPAN LAHORE to the Nigeria Immigration Service at Naval Base Apapa, Lagos. The suspects, discovered concealed in the vessel’s rudder compartment near Lagos Fairway Buoy during routine security checks, were safely extracted and taken into custody for preliminary investigation. Identified as Abdullahi Yakubu, a repeat offender, and Omoniyi Afotona, both reportedly boarded the vessel illegally at Apapa Port prior to departure.

During the handover, the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, cautioned against the dangers and illegality of irregular migration via stowaway methods, urging youths to pursue lawful channels. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting national security. The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Lagos Seaport/Marine Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.