By Chigozie Daniel
The Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service following their dramatic rescue from a merchant vessel off the Lagos coast, in a renewed push against illegal maritime migration.
The handover took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the naval base in Lagos, where the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Augustine Adams-Aliu, formally transferred custody of the suspects to immigration authorities.
The rescued men were earlier discovered aboard the merchant vessel MV SEASPAN LAHORE, where they had concealed themselves in a highly dangerous section of the ship in a desperate attempt to travel abroad undetected.
Naval authorities disclosed that the suspects were found in the early hours of March 19, 2026, hidden inside the vessel’s rudder compartment during routine security checks around the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
Following their discovery, personnel of NNS BEECROFT safely extracted the men and transported them to the base for preliminary investigation, which revealed troubling details about their identities and intent.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Yakubu, 36, described as a repeat offender, and Omoniyi Afotona, 25. Both were believed to have illegally gained access to the vessel at Apapa Port before its departure.
Speaking during the handover, Adams Aliu warned that stowing away on ships remains both illegal and life threatening, urging families and community leaders to intensify efforts in educating young Nigerians about the risks involved.
He stressed that while migration remains a fundamental right, it must be pursued through lawful channels, noting that desperate attempts to flee the country through dangerous means could end in tragedy.
Reaffirming the Navy’s operational commitment, the commander said his leadership would continue to align with the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and ensure safe passage for legitimate commercial activities.
Receiving the suspects, DSI Emmanuel Ochokpa Eneji of the Lagos Ports Marine Command said the men would undergo profiling and documentation before being transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for prosecution and further necessary action.