The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over five suspected stowaways rescued from a merchant vessel to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal migration and strengthen maritime security.
In a statement Naval Assistant to the Commander of NNS BEECROFT Sub-Lieutenant A.O. Ajayi said the handover took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, following the rescue and preliminary investigation of the suspects, who were found aboard MT CHINAFRIE HAPPINESS.
According to the Navy, the five men were discovered on June 17 concealed in the rudder compartment of the vessel, a hazardous location often used by individuals attempting to travel illegally to foreign destinations without authorization.
The suspects were safely evacuated and transported to NNS BEECROFT, where they underwent profiling and preliminary investigations. They were identified as Segun Samuel Boyewa, 31; Kingsley Chukwu, 43; Joseph Judge, 33; Moses Aletor, 24; and Abdullahi Danlami, 31.
Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly boarded the vessel while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos with the intention of travelling illegally to India.
Naval authorities described the handover as part of sustained inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing illegal migration, safeguarding lives, and enhancing maritime safety and security within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The Navy also urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to discourage young people from engaging in dangerous attempts to board seagoing vessels illegally, noting that such actions pose significant risks to life and maritime operations.
NNS BEECROFT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the strategic objectives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, through the deployment of a professional and highly motivated naval force dedicated to protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests, defending national sovereignty, and contributing to internal security operations.
