The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three men suspected of attempting to stow away on a merchant vessel off the Lagos coastline in an operation aimed at strengthening maritime safety and curbing irregular migration.
The incident occurred near the Lagos Fairway Buoy and involved the merchant ship MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988), according to a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
He explained that the rescue was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT after intelligence was received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5.05 p.m. on April 19.
Following the alert, a Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay moved swiftly to the location, rescuing the suspects roughly five nautical miles off the Lagos coast.
Preliminary findings showed that the three men had illegally boarded the vessel while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos in the early hours of April 17.
The suspects were identified as Aguru Michael (27), a Beninese national; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta State.
Authorities believe the trio intended to travel unlawfully to Europe by hiding aboard the vessel.
Capt. Folorunsho said the operation highlights the Navy’s continued vigilance in protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and combating illegal migration.
He also referenced earlier successful interventions, including the rescue of seven individuals after a vessel collision in Bayelsa and the recovery of three foreign stowaways from 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 stated.
He further reaffirmed that “the Nigerian Navy remains committed to maritime safety, security and continuous surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters.”
