Nigerian Navy Intercepts Three Suspected Stowaways Aboard MSC Stella off Lagos
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Navy has sustained its Search and Rescue (SAR) operations with the interception and rescue of three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC Stella off the Lagos coast.
Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft carried out the operation near the Lagos Fairway Buoy following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Acting on the tip-off, the ship’s Quick Response Team (QRT), deployed from Tarkwa Bay, moved swiftly to the vessel’s location and successfully rescued the suspects about five nautical miles offshore.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals allegedly boarded the vessel illegally around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, with the intention of stowing away to Europe. 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.
The Nigerian Navy said the operation underscores its continued commitment to maritime safety and security, particularly in tackling irregular migration and safeguarding lives at sea.
The latest effort adds to a series of successful SAR missions by the Navy, including the recent rescue 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 suspects are currently in the custody of NNS Beecroft, where they are undergoing investigation and administrative processing in accordance with relevant laws.
The Navy reaffirmed its resolve to maintain a strong operational presence across Nigeria’s maritime domain to combat illegal activities and ensure the safety of navigation.
