The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) near the Lagos Fairway Buoy, in a move aimed at strengthening maritime security and enhancing 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.
Folorunsho explained that the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT following credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19.
According to him, a Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
He noted that preliminary investigations revealed the individuals had illegally boarded the vessel at about 1 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, 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 reportedly attempting to stow away to Europe.
Folorunsho said the operation underscored the Navy’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and curbing irregular migration within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He also recalled previous successful search-and-rescue efforts, including the rescue of seven persons following a maritime collision in Bayelsa State, 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.”
