The Nigerian Navy said it has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
The operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre, WRCC, at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, 19 April 2026.
It said the Quick Response Team, QRT, of NNS BEECROFT, stationed at Tarkwa Bay, was immediately deployed to the vessel’s location.
“The team successfully rescued the three suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline,” statement signed by Captain A Florunsho, Director Naval Information said.
The Navy said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 17 April 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.
The statement added, “The individuals identified as Aguru Michael (27), a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta State, reportedly intended to stow away to Europe,” it added.
It said that this recent rescue effort exemplifies the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.
“Building on previous successful SAR missions—such as the rescue of seven individuals after the collision involving a Tantita Patrol boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa, and the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026—the Navy continues to demonstrate its robust operational tempo in countering irregular migration and ensuring maritime safety across Nigeria’s waters.
“The suspects are now in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing thorough investigation and administrative processing in line with established laws.
“The Nigerian Navy reaffirms its dedication to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and maintaining effective Search and Rescue operations to combat illegal activities within the country’s territorial waters.”
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