The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho said the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS BEECROFT, following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19.
He explained that a Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.
The suspects were identified as Aguru Michael, 27, a national of Benin Republic; Soye Monday, 25, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, 22, from Delta State. They reportedly intended to stow away to Europe.
Folorunsho noted that the operation underscores the Navy’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and curbing irregular migration within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He also recalled previous successful missions, including the rescue of seven persons following a maritime collision in Bayelsa State and the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.
“The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with extant laws,” he said.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, security, and continuous surveillance of the nation’s territorial waters.
