NIGERIAN NAVY INTERCEPTS THREE STOWAWAYS ON EUROPE-BOUND SHIP
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Nigerian Navy has announced the interception and rescue of three suspected stowaways found aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) near the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
The operation was carried out following credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
According to the Navy, a Quick Response Team from NNS BEECROFT, based at Tarkwa Bay, was promptly deployed to the vessel’s location.
The team rescued the three suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coast, according to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Captain A. Florunsho.
The Navy said preliminary findings show the suspects illegally boarded the vessel around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, while it was docked at Tin Can Island Port.
The statement identified the individuals as Aguru Michael (27) from the Benin Republic, Soye Monday (25) from Ondo State, and Kentobou Peter (22) from Delta State, noting that they were allegedly attempting to stow away to Europe.
The Navy added that the operation reflects its continued commitment to protecting lives at sea. It also highlighted previous successful search and rescue missions, including the rescue of seven individuals 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.
According to the statement, these efforts demonstrate the Navy’s sustained operations in tackling irregular migration and enhancing maritime safety within Nigerian waters.
The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing detailed investigation and administrative procedures in accordance with existing laws.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and sustaining effective search and rescue operations to curb illegal activities within its territorial waters.
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