- Nigerian Navy Rescues Three Stowaways Aboard Vessel Near Lagos
- Folorunsho said a quick response team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline
- The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS Beecroft, where they are undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with existing laws
The Nigerian Navy has rescued three suspected stowaways aboard a merchant vessel off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the vessel, identified as MSC STELLA, was intercepted following credible intelligence.
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According to the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft after a tip-off from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19.
He said a quick response team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, with the intention of travelling to Europe.
The suspects were identified as Aguru Michael (27), a national of the Republic of Benin; Soye Monday (25) from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22) from Delta State.
Folorunsho said the operation highlights the navy’s continued efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and curb irregular migration.
He also referenced previous rescue missions, including the recovery of seven persons after a maritime collision in Bayelsa and the interception of three foreign stowaways aboard MT Anatolia in March 2026.
The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS Beecroft, where they are undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with existing laws.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety, security, and constant surveillance across the country’s territorial waters.
