The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspected stowaways
who attempted to leave the country illegally by hiding inside a foreign
merchant vessel off the Lagos coast.
The suspects, Abdullahi Yakubu (36) and Omoniyi
Afotona (25), were apprehended on March 19, 2026, by operatives of NNS BEECROFT
and later handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service in Apapa.
According to the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Aiwuyor
Adams-Aliu, the men were discovered during routine security checks, hidden in
the rudder compartment of the vessel MV Seaspan Lahore near the Lagos
Fairway Buoy.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects
illegally boarded the ship at Apapa Port in a desperate attempt to travel
abroad undetected.
Adams-Aliu described stowing away as both illegal and
highly dangerous, urging parents, guardians, and community leaders to educate
young people about the risks associated with irregular migration.
He also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to
safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain under the directive of the Chief of
Naval Staff, Idi Abbas.
Notably, one of the suspects was identified as a
repeat offender. Abdullahi Yakubu admitted he had previously attempted the same
route about a year ago but was arrested.
“I was trying to go to Spain to find a better life… I
don’t have the money for legal travel,” he reportedly said.
He disclosed that he paid a small fee to fishermen who
assisted him in boarding the vessel.
Receiving the suspects, Deputy Superintendent of
Immigration Emmanuel Ochokpa Eneji stated that they would be profiled,
documented, and subsequently handed over to the police for prosecution.
The incident highlights the growing risks of illegal
migration routes and the need for continued awareness and enforcement along
Nigeria’s waterways.
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