The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways from the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy, underscoring its ongoing commitment to search and rescue (SAR) and maritime security. The operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, 19 April 2026, prompting the immediate deployment of the Quick Response Team (QRT) from NNS BEECROFT at Tarkwa Bay. The suspects were recovered approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the three 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 Benin Republic; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta State. They allegedly planned to stow away to Europe aboard the ship.
The latest operation is consistent with the Nigerian Navy’s recent SAR efforts, including the rescue of seven individuals following a collision between a Tantita Patrol Boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa, and the earlier rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways from the tanker MT Anatolia in March 2026. These missions highlight the Navy’s active role in curbing irregular migration and safeguarding lives at sea across Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing further investigation and administrative processing in accordance with established legal procedures. The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its dedication to securing Nigeria’s territorial waters and sustaining effective search and rescue operations to combat unlawful activities at sea.