The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard a merchant vessel, MSC STELLA, near the Lagos Fairway Buoy, as part of ongoing efforts to tighten maritime security.
The Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, saying the operation followed credible intelligence.
According to him, “the operation was carried out by personnel of NNS BEECROFT following credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19.”
He added that a Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully intercepted the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, with the intention of stowing away to Europe,” Folorunsho said.
The suspects were identified as Aguru Michael, 27, a national of Benin Republic; Soye Monday, 25, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, 22, from Delta State.
Folorunsho noted that the operation highlights the navy’s sustained efforts to curb irregular migration and enhance safety within Nigeria’s maritime space.
“The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with extant laws,” he said.
He reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, adding that “the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in ensuring maritime safety, security, and continuous surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters.”