The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over two suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel, MV SEASPAN LAHORE, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The suspects were handed over to Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI), Eneji Emmanuel Ochokpa of the Lagos Ports/Marine Command, Apapa, Lagos.

They were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, March 19, 2026, hiding within the rudder compartment of the vessel during routine security checks by NNS Beecroft personnel while the vessel was underway around Lagos Fairway Buoy.

The suspects were safely extracted and brought to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation. According to Commander of NNS Beecroft, Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, initial findings identified the suspects as 36-year-old Abdullahi Yakubu, is a repeat offender and 25-year-old Omoniyi Afotona.

He said both individuals gained unauthorised access to the vessel’s rudder compartment at Apapa Port prior to its departure.

“It is very important for parents, guardians and persons of authority within the society to educate young men and women that hiding onboard a ship to migrate from Nigeria is illegal and dangerous. Hence, Nigerian youths with migration aspirations should endeavor to use legal means of travel.”

“NNS Beecroft under my command will continue to actualise the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing effectively to joint operations in defence of national sovereignty and maintaining internal stability,” he added.