By SUMAILA OGBAJE

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 efforts to strengthen maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.

The piece of information is in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Monday in Abuja.

Folorunsho stated that the operation was carried out 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 April 19.

He said the Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

He indicated that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

He identified the individuals as Aguru Michael (27), a national of Benin Republic; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta.

He said that the suspects intended to stow away to Europe.

The director noted that the operation underscored navy’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and curbing irregular migration within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He recalled previous successful search-and-rescue missions, including the rescue of seven persons following a maritime collision in Bayelsa, and the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.

He added that “the suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with extant laws.

“The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, security and continuous surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters.” (NAN)