Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspected stowaways from a foreign merchant vessel off the Lagos coast for attempting to leave the country illegally.
The suspects, Abdullahi Yakubu, 36, and Omoniyi Afotona, 25,
arrested on March 19, 2026 by operatives of the NNS BEECROFT, were handed over
to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at Apapa, on Monday.
Handing over the suspects, Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore
Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said they were found inside the rudder compartment of MV
Seaspan Lahore during routine security checks near the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
Adams-Aliu said preliminary findings indicated the men
illegally boarded the vessel at Apapa Port in an attempt to travel abroad
undetected.
He described stowing away as illegal and life-threatening,
urging families and community leaders to sensitise youths on the dangers of
irregular migration.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s
maritime domain in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS),
Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.
He said one of the suspects was discovered to be a repeat
offender, warning that the NN would not tolerate any kind of illegality in the
waterways.
Receiving the suspects, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration
(DSI) Emmanuel Ochokpa Eneji, attached to the Lagos Ports Marine Command, said
they would be profiled, documented, and handed over to the police for
prosecution.
Abdullahi who admitted he was a repeat offender, said he was
desperate to move to Spain to go and eke out a living.
According to him, he attempted to stowaway about a year ago
but was arrested, adding that he decided to try for the second time.
He said he chose the route because he lacks the funds needed
for lawful migration, adding that he only paid a token to some fishermen who
helped him board the vessel.
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