&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Nigerian Navy hands over nine suspected stowaways to immigration service")
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over nine suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel, MT EVGENIA, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal migration and strengthen maritime security.
The suspects were handed over on Friday (Aug 21), following their rescue and preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Navy.
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In a press statement made available to WION correspondent Louisa Olaniyi, and signed by the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the nine individuals were discovered on Wednesday (Aug 19), concealed inside the propeller compartment of MT EVGENIA. They were safely evacuated from the vessel and taken to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling.
The suspects were identified as Thompson Vincent, 23; Emmanuel Philip, 24; Tobi Olalekan, 32; Omotayo Adebowale, 43; Abdullahi Idowu, 21; Tunde Mustapha, 19; Jamiu Ismaila, 25; Ibrahim Alabi, 30; and Christian Kadiri, 22.
According to preliminary findings, the suspects allegedly boarded MT EVGENIA while the vessel was berthed at Flour Mills Jetty, Apapa, with the intention of travelling illegally to Europe.
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For context, a stowaway is a person who conceals themselves aboard a vessel in an attempt to travel to another country without the required authorisation. Such attempts can expose individuals to serious risks, including injury or death, particularly when they hide in confined and hazardous areas of vessels.
The incident highlights the wider implications of irregular migration attempts, which can have consequences beyond Nigeria and affect maritime security and safety across the West African coast.
NNS BEECROFT therefore urged parents, guardians, and other community leaders to discourage young people from attempting to board seagoing vessels illegally and to raise awareness of the dangers associated with stowaway activities.
Commodore A. Adams-Aliu said the ship would continue to support the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), by helping protect Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint security operations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of NNS BEECROFT to professional naval operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, defending national sovereignty and contributing to internal stability.
The handover to the Nigeria Immigration Service further underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing irregular migration and strengthening security along Nigeria’s maritime routes.
