The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, in a continued effort 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.
According to him, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT following credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19.
He said a Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully intercepted and rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.
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 were said to have intended to stow away to Europe.
Folorunsho noted that the operation highlights the Navy’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and tackling irregular migration within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He also recalled previous successful missions, including the rescue of seven persons after a maritime collision in Bayelsa, and the interception of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.
The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with existing laws.
The Navy reaffirmed its resolve to maintain maritime safety, security, and continuous surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters.
