Nigerian authorities have arrested five stowaways who were discovered hiding in the rudder compartment of a bulk carrier preparing to sail from Lagos to India, highlighting the growing challenge of illegal migration attempts through the country’s ports.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 43, were found on June 17 aboard the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Chinafrie Happiness while the vessel was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. The 174,413-dwt vessel was preparing to depart for India when the men were discovered concealed in the rudder compartment.
According to the Nigerian Navy, the stowaways were removed from the vessel, taken for questioning and profiling, and subsequently handed over to immigration authorities.
Naval officials said the transfer was part of ongoing cooperation between security agencies aimed at combating illegal migration and strengthening maritime security. Authorities also stressed the need to discourage young people from attempting dangerous voyages by hiding aboard commercial ships.
The latest case is one of several similar incidents reported in Nigerian ports this year. In March, the Nigerian Navy intercepted three Ghanaian nationals who had hidden in the rudder compartment of a tanker at Lagos while attempting to reach Europe.
Maritime security specialists warn that stowaways remain a significant operational risk for ships trading in Nigeria and across West Africa. According to risk intelligence firm Castor Vali, vessels recorded approximately 2,300 stowaway-related incidents in the region during 2025.
Beyond the safety risks, the issue creates substantial costs for shipowners. Industry estimates suggest that each stowaway case can result in expenses related to fines, repatriation, delays, security measures and compliance procedures, with total costs potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars per incident.
Despite the dangers, some stowaways have successfully completed long-distance voyages in recent years, including cases involving migrants discovered after crossing the Atlantic or reaching the Canary Islands while concealed on ships.
