The Nigerian Navy, through Nigerian Navy Ship NNS BEECROFT, has rescued nine suspected stowaways and handed them over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.*
According to the Navy, the suspects were discovered concealed within the propeller compartment of merchant vessel MT EVGENIA on 19 August 2026.
They were safely evacuated to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling before the handover on 21 August 2026.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects allegedly boarded the vessel at the Flour Mills Jetty, Apapa, with the intention of travelling illegally to Europe.
The Navy said the operation underscores its commitment to maritime safety, inter-agency cooperation and the protection of lives within Nigeria’s maritime domain. It added that the effort also supports national initiatives to curb irregular migration and trans-border crimes.
The suspects were formally handed over to NIS officials at NNS BEECROFT.
