Navy Ship Beecroft Nabs 5 India-bound Stowaways, Hands Over Suspects To NIS

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, on Monday, handed over five suspected stowaways rescued from an India-bound merchant vessel, MT CHINAFRIE HAPPINESS, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

LEADERSHIP reports that a stowaway is a person who conceals themselves aboard a vessel with the intention of travelling illegally to another country without authorisation.

A statement signed by Naval Assistant to Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Sub-Lietenant AO Ajayi, said the handover of the suspects formed part of ongoing collaborative efforts among security agencies to curb illegal migration and enhance maritime safety and security.

He said the suspects were discovered on Wednesday, June 17,  2026, concealed within the rudder compartment of the vessel.

“They were safely evacuated and conveyed to NNS BEECROFT for preliminary investigation and profiling. Initial findings identified the suspects as Segun Samuel Boyewa (31), Kingsley Chukwu (43), Joseph Judge (33), Moses Aletor (24), and Abdullahi Danlami (31). Further investigations revealed that the suspects boarded MT CHINAFRIE HAPPINESS while the vessel was berthed alongside Tin Can Island Port with the intention of travelling illegally to India.

“It has now become important for parents, guardians, and other authority figures within society to discourage youths from attempting to board seagoing vessels illegally. Finally, it is pertinent to note that NNS BEECROFT, under my command, will continue to actualise the mission of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), which is to deploy a highly motivated and professional naval force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and contributing effectively to joint operations in defence of national sovereignty and the maintenance of internal stability,” the spokesman stated.