The Nigerian Navy, through personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA near the Lagos Fairway Buoy, underscoring its continued commitment to maritime security and search and rescue operations.
The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who disclosed this, said: “The operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, 19 April 2026.”
According to him, acting swiftly, 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,” he said.
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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 individuals 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. They reportedly intended to stow away to Europe.
The Navy said the operation reflects its ongoing commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.
Building on previous successful search and rescue missions, such as the rescue of seven persons following a collision involving a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa, as well as the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026, the Navy continues to sustain efforts to curb irregular migration and enhance maritime safety.
The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with established laws.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain and sustaining effective search and rescue operations to combat illegal activities within territorial waters.