By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

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) for further investigation and necessary administrative procedures.

The handover, which took place on August 21, 2026, underscores the continued collaboration among security agencies in combating illegal migration, enhancing maritime security and ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s territorial waters.

According to the Navy, the suspects were discovered on August 19, 2026, concealed inside the vessel’s propeller compartment while attempting to travel illegally to Europe. A stowaway is an individual who secretly boards a ship or other means of transportation with the intention of travelling without authorization or valid travel documents.

Following their discovery, the suspects were safely evacuated and taken to NNS BEECROFT, where preliminary investigations and profiling were conducted.

The individuals 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).

Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly boarded MT EVGENIA while the vessel was berthed at the Flour Mills Jetty in Apapa, Lagos, with the intention of travelling illegally to Europe. The Navy noted that such attempts expose individuals to grave dangers, including injury, death and arrest, while also creating security concerns for countries along the West African coastline.

The incident has prompted renewed calls for parents, guardians and community leaders to educate young people about the risks associated with illegal migration and discourage them from engaging in hazardous journeys through unauthorized means.

The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to combating maritime crimes and protecting the nation’s maritime domain. It stated that NNS BEECROFT will continue to support the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, aimed at maintaining a highly professional and operationally effective naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests, supporting joint security operations and contributing to national stability.

The Navy further assured stakeholders that it would sustain efforts to prevent illegal migration, enforce maritime laws and strengthen cooperation with relevant security and law enforcement agencies in the interest of national security.