By Vera Osokpo
The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT has handed three suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service after they were found hiding aboard the merchant vessel MV MAERSK CALABAR.
The operation highlights continued cooperation between security agencies in tackling illegal migration and improving maritime safety in Nigerian waters.
The suspects were intercepted on Monday, 14 September 2026, while the vessel was sailing near the Lagos Fairway Buoy. Acting on information from the Western Regional Control Centre, the Quick Reaction Team of NNS BEECROFT stationed at Tarkwa Bay stopped the vessel and removed the suspects from its propeller compartment.
They were taken to the naval ship for preliminary investigation and profiling. The suspects were identified as 30-year-old Isaiah Oyetayo, 26-year-old Goddey Ajinde Samson and 28-year-old Popoola Felix.
Preliminary findings showed that the three men allegedly boarded MV MAERSK CALABAR earlier that day while the vessel was at Apapa Port. They reportedly used a canoe to reach the ship before hiding inside the propeller compartment.
Their presence was discovered after the vessel began its voyage, prompting the intervention of the Nigerian Navy.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of unauthorised access to commercial vessels. People who hide aboard ships in an attempt to migrate illegally can face extreme conditions, including possible injury or death, while their actions may also endanger the vessel, its crew and maritime operations.
Parents, guardians and community leaders have therefore been urged to warn young people against attempting dangerous sea journeys and to explain the risks associated with illegal migration.
The Nigerian Navy also noted that such incidents could create broader maritime-security concerns across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The Commander of NNS BEECROFT reaffirmed the ship’s commitment to supporting the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, by maintaining a professional naval force capable of protecting Nigeria’s maritime interests, supporting joint security operations and contributing to national stability.