The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) near the Lagos Fairway Buoy, as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security and enhance search and rescue operations.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to Folorunsho, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT carried out the operation following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5.05 p.m. on 19 April.
He explained that a Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had illegally boarded the vessel at about 1 a.m. on 17 April while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
The suspects were identified as Aguru Michael (27), a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday (25) from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22) from Delta State, all of whom reportedly intended to stow away to Europe.
Folorunsho said the operation underscores the navy’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and tackling irregular migration within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He also recalled previous successful rescue missions, including the rescue of seven persons following a maritime collision in Bayelsa, as well as the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.
He added that “the suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with extant laws.
“The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, security and continuous surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters.”
