Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Navy has apprehended three suspected stowaways aboard a merchant vessel near the Lagos coastline, in a move it says reinforces ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to Folorunsho, the operation was executed by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT following actionable intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19.
He explained that a Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay intercepted the vessel, identified as MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988), and rescued the three suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos,” Folorunsho said.
He identified the suspects as Aguru Michael, 27, a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday, 25, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, 22, from Delta State.
“The suspects reportedly intended to stow away to Europe,” he added.
Folorunsho noted that the successful interception highlights the Navy’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and tackling irregular migration within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He also referenced previous rescue efforts, including the recovery of seven persons following a maritime collision in Bayelsa State, as well as the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.
“The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with extant laws,” he said.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its commitment to maritime safety, security, and continuous surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters.”
