The Nigerian Navy has handed over three Ghanaian stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service after their attempt to illegally travel to Europe was foiled when they were discovered aboard a merchant vessel, MV Anatolia, at the Dangote Terminal in Lagos.
The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the suspects were found after the vessel arrived from Côte d’Ivoire.
Investigations revealed that the three suspects—Armah Peter, 26; Amisah Daniel, 22; and Amoh Michael, 25—are nationals of Ghana who had relocated to Abidjan, where they lived for over a year before attempting to migrate to Europe in search of better opportunities.
“They boarded the vessel in Abidjan and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment before it departed. After several hours at sea, the vessel arrived in Lagos, where they emerged thinking they had reached Europe, only to be arrested,” Adams-Aliu said.
Naval authorities disclosed that the trio gained access to the vessel with the aid of a canoe before it departed from Ivorian waters and spent less than 48 hours hidden in the compartment before their discovery on March 28, 2026.
The commander warned against the growing trend of stowing away on vessels, describing it as illegal, dangerous, and life-threatening. He noted that stowaways often endure extreme conditions in confined spaces such as rudder compartments, which can lead to exhaustion, illness, or even death.
“One of the reasons these individuals were discovered was likely due to the unbearable conditions in which they were hiding,” he said.
Officials said the suspects would be repatriated through the Ghanaian Embassy after necessary legal procedures are completed. Adams-Aliu also urged parents, guardians, and community leaders across West Africa to discourage youths from engaging in such risky ventures.
