The Nigerian Navy has handed over nine suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.
The suspects were intercepted aboard MT EVGENIA after they were discovered hiding inside the vessel’s propeller compartment on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, subsequently evacuated the men and took them to its facility, where they underwent preliminary investigation and profiling before being transferred to immigration authorities on Friday.
In a statement issued by the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the Navy said the operation formed part of ongoing collaboration among security agencies to tackle illegal migration and strengthen maritime security.
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.
The Navy said preliminary investigation showed that the suspects had boarded the vessel while it was berthed at the Flour Mills Jetty in Apapa, Lagos, allegedly with the intention of travelling illegally to Europe.
Adams-Aliu warned young Nigerians against attempting to embark on dangerous journeys by secretly boarding seagoing vessels, stressing that such actions could have serious consequences.
He urged parents, guardians and other influential members of society to discourage youths from engaging in illegal stowaway activities.
The commander further reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint security operations aimed at safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and maintaining internal stability.
He said NNS Beecroft would continue to work towards fulfilling the mandate of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, through professional and effective maritime security operations.