By Samson Ike, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has handed over five suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel, MT CHINAFRIE HAPPINESS, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further investigation and necessary administrative procedures.

The handover was carried out by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT as part of ongoing inter-agency efforts to combat illegal migration, strengthen maritime security, and ensure the safety of Nigeria’s territorial waters.

According to the Navy, the suspects were discovered concealed inside the rudder compartment of the vessel on June 17, 2026. A stowaway is a person who secretly boards a ship or other means of transportation with the intention of travelling without authorization.

Following their discovery, the five men were safely evacuated from the vessel and taken to NNS BEECROFT, where preliminary investigations and profiling were conducted.

The suspects were identified as Segun Samuel Boyewa, 31; Kingsley Chukwu, 43; Joseph Judge, 33; Moses Aletor, 24; and Abdullahi Danlami, 31.

Investigations revealed that the men allegedly boarded MT CHINAFRIE HAPPINESS while it was berthed at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, with the intention of travelling illegally to India.

Naval authorities noted that the incident highlights the growing dangers associated with irregular migration and the risks individuals expose themselves to by attempting to travel aboard commercial vessels without authorization.

The Navy also called on parents, guardians, community leaders and other stakeholders to educate young people on the dangers of illegal migration and discourage them from engaging in such life-threatening ventures.

According to the service, stowaway operations often expose individuals to extreme risks, including suffocation, starvation, dehydration, injury and death, particularly when they hide in hazardous sections of vessels during long international voyages.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to working closely with relevant agencies to prevent illegal migration, protect maritime assets and uphold the security of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The service further assured that NNS BEECROFT would continue to support the operational objectives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, by maintaining a professional and highly motivated force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing to national security.