By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, in a continued effort to strengthen maritime security and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The operation was conducted by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, 19 April 2026. Acting on the alert, the Quick Response Team (QRT) stationed at Tarkwa Bay was swiftly deployed to the vessel’s location, where the suspects were successfully rescued approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
Preliminary findings revealed that the individuals illegally boarded the vessel around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 17 April 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port. The suspects have been 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. They reportedly intended to stow away to Europe.
The Nigerian Navy described the operation as part of its sustained efforts to curb irregular migration and enhance maritime safety. It noted that the latest rescue builds on previous successful missions, including the recovery of seven persons following a collision involving a Tantita patrol boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa, as well as the interception and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.
The rescued suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing investigation and administrative procedures in line with established legal frameworks.
Reaffirming its mandate, the Nigerian Navy emphasized its continued commitment to securing the nation’s maritime domain and maintaining effective Search and Rescue operations against illegal activities within Nigeria’s waters.
