3 Ghanaians detained on Lagos ship after trying to sneak to Europe

Three (3) Ghanaian nationals have been arrested in Lagos after attempting to illegally migrate to Europe by stowing away on a cargo vessel, in an incident that highlights the growing risks associated with irregular migration.

The suspects, identified as Armah Peter, 26, Amisah Daniel, 22, and Amoh Michael, 25, were apprehended by operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT after the vessel, MT ANATOLIA, docked at the Dangote Terminal in Ibeju-Lekki on Saturday.

According to the Nigerian Navy, the trio had boarded the Europe-bound vessel in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they had been working as fishermen. They reportedly hid in the ship’s rudder compartment for five (5) days, believing it would transport them to Spain.

The suspects later emerged from their hiding place after assuming the vessel had reached Europe, only to be discovered by the crew and subsequently handed over to naval authorities.

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Speaking after their arrest, one of the suspects, Amoh Michael, described the harsh and dangerous conditions they endured during the journey.

“I will never try this again. For those five days, we couldn’t sleep. The rudder compartment is so small that you are either squatting, moving around or going to the base of the ship to get some fresh air."

“We finished the garri and water we took onboard and did not bathe throughout. When you want to defecate, you have to go down and do your business in the open sea,” he said.

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The suspects attributed their actions to economic hardship and family responsibilities, stating that they were seeking better opportunities abroad to support sick relatives.

They also cautioned others against attempting similar journeys, describing stowing away as life-threatening and not worth the risk.

Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, confirmed the arrest while briefing journalists at the naval base in Apapa. He said the suspects would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for further processing.

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“In this case, the NIS will be responsible for transferring these suspects to the Ghanaian Embassy after proper judicial procedures,” he stated.

He explained that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat illegal migration and strengthen maritime safety.

“Once again, parents, guardians and authority figures within society are requested to advise their youths against attempting to board sea-going vessels illegally. This advice extends beyond Nigeria to neighbouring countries along the West African coast,” Adams-Aliu added.

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Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects boarded the vessel with the assistance of a canoe and remained undetected until they revealed themselves.