Authorities Transfer Three Ghanaians Found Hiding on Ship to Nigerian Immigration Officials in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT handed over three suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service in Lagos on Wednesday, as part of efforts to combat illegal migration and bolster maritime security. The operation involved the transfer of Armah Peter, 26, Amisah Daniel, 22, and Amoh Michael, 25, all Ghanaian nationals who were rescued from the merchant vessel MT ANATOLIA.

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The suspects were discovered concealed in the vessel's rudder compartment on Saturday, March 28, 2026, while it was berthed at Dangote Terminal, Lagos, prompting a swift response from the naval authorities. The rescue operation was carried out by the NNS BEECROFT, which safely evacuated the stowaways and transported them to the naval base for preliminary investigation and profiling.

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Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, highlighted the significance of the operation, stating that it underscored the growing collaboration among security agencies to combat illegal migration and ensure safety within Nigeria's maritime domain. He noted that the stowaways were transferred to the NIS for further action, which would include facilitating their transfer to the Ghanaian Embassy after due judicial processes.

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According to Commodore Adams-Aliu, the Navy's commitment to supporting inter-agency cooperation in addressing security concerns was reflected in the handover of the suspects, who had attempted to travel illegally to Europe without authorization. A stowaway is defined as a person who conceals himself aboard a vessel with the intent of travelling illegally to another country without authorization, he explained.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they engaged in fishing activities for about a year before attempting to migrate illegally to Europe. The trio had gained access to the vessel's rudder compartment with the aid of a canoe before it departed Ivorian waters, stocking up on basic supplies including garri, sugar, water, and biscuits.

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One of the suspects, Daniel Amisah, disclosed that they embarked on the journey in search of better economic opportunities, believing the vessel was headed to Europe, possibly Britain, Canada, or Spain. Amisah revealed that they stayed onboard for about five days before being discovered, and that he had wanted to raise money for his sick mother's hospital bills.

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Another suspect, Amoh Michael, attributed their decision to attempt the risky venture to a lack of funds to process travel documents, noting that some of their friends had used the same route and succeeded. Michael stated that they did not inform their families before leaving, and that they were unable to afford passports.

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Armah Peter described the experience as dangerous and regrettable, warning others against attempting such journeys, and expressing disappointment at the outcome of their attempt. Peter stated that stowing away is very dangerous, and that he would advise others not to try it, having learned a hard lesson from his first attempt.

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The suspects were detected after they emerged from their hiding place, believing the vessel had reached their intended destination, prompting the crew to alert authorities. The Navy's swift response ensured the safe evacuation and transfer of the stowaways to the relevant authorities.

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The Navy reiterated its call on parents, guardians, and community leaders across the West African sub-region to caution youths against engaging in illegal migration through maritime routes, citing the grave risks involved. Commodore Adams-Aliu reaffirmed the Navy's commitment to maintaining a professional and motivated naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria's maritime interests and supporting internal security operations.

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Commodore Adams-Aliu also reaffirmed that NNS BEECROFT would continue to align with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to ensure the security of Nigeria's maritime domain. The Navy's efforts to combat illegal migration and strengthen maritime security would continue, with a focus on collaboration with other security agencies.