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By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy has successfully intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard a merchant vessel, MSC STELLA, off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, in a renewed demonstration of its commitment to maritime security and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
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 Sunday, April 19, 2026. Acting swiftly on the information, the Quick Response Team (QRT) of NNS BEECROFT, stationed at Tarkwa Bay, was immediately deployed to the vessel’s location.
Naval authorities disclosed that the team successfully intercepted the vessel and rescued the three suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had illegally boarded the vessel in the early hours of Friday, April 17, 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port. The suspects 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.
It was gathered that the trio intended to stow away to Europe in search of better opportunities, a practice that has continued to pose significant safety and security risks within the maritime domain.
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The Nigerian Navy noted that the successful interception highlights its sustained vigilance and operational readiness in curbing illegal migration and other maritime crimes within the nation’s territorial waters.
The latest operation adds to a series of successful SAR missions conducted by the Navy in recent months. These include the rescue of seven individuals following a collision involving a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa State, as well as the rescue and subsequent handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.
According to naval authorities, such efforts underscore the service’s robust operational tempo and its strategic role in ensuring safety and security across Nigeria’s maritime environment.
The rescued suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing further investigation and administrative processing in accordance with established laws and procedures.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and maintaining effective surveillance across the country’s waterways. It also reiterated its resolve to combat irregular migration and other illegal activities, while urging members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
