The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security and search and rescue operations.
The Navy, through personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, said the operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday.
A Quick Response Team stationed at Tarkwa Bay was immediately deployed and successfully intercepted the vessel, rescued the three suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly boarded the vessel illegally at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, with the intention of stowing away to Europe.
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.
The Nigerian Navy said the suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with extant laws.
The Navy said the interception underscores its continued commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, combating irregular migration, and securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.
It noted that the latest operation builds on previous successful rescue missions, including the rescue of seven persons following a boat collision in Bayelsa and the rescue of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.
