Navy Rescues Stowaways Hidden in Ship Rudder, Hands Over to Immigration
The Nigerian Navy has rescued three suspected stowaways found concealed in the rudder compartment of a merchant vessel and handed them over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.
The suspects were discovered aboard MT Anatolia while the vessel was berthed at Dangote Terminal in Lagos.
Naval authorities said the individuals were safely evacuated and taken to Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft for preliminary profiling before their transfer to immigration officials.
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Investigations identified the suspects as Armah Peter (26), Amisah Daniel (22), and Amoh Michael (25), all Ghanaian nationals. According to findings, the trio had travelled from Ghana to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they lived for about a year before sneaking into the vessel’s rudder compartment with the aim of travelling illegally to Europe.
Naval sources disclosed that the suspects gained access to the vessel with the aid of a canoe before it departed Ivorian waters. After spending hours at sea, they reportedly alerted the crew, believing they had reached their destination, leading to their discovery and eventual rescue.
The Navy said the handover underscores ongoing collaboration between security agencies to curb illegal migration and enhance maritime safety. Authorities also urged parents and guardians across the region to caution youths against engaging in dangerous stowaway attempts, noting the significant risks involved.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and sustaining efforts to combat illegal activities at sea.
