Navy Rescues 3 Stowaways On Europe–bound Vessel

The Nigerian Navy has rescued three suspected stowaways aboard “MSC Stella” off Lagos bound for Europe.

In a statement, Naval spokesman, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the stowaways were intercepted and rescued by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT aboard the merchant vessel “MSC STELLA” (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.

He said the operation was a continued demonstration of Nigerian Navy’s Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime security commitment.

According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC), at about 5:05 p.m. on Sunday, 19th April, 2026.

He said the Quick Response Team (QRT) of “NNS BEECROFT,” stationed at Tarkwa Bay, swiftly deployed to the vessel’s location and rescued the three suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 17th April, 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.

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

The rescue effort exemplifies the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, he said, adding that the suspects were in the custody of “NNS BEECROFT” undergoing thorough investigation and administrative processing in line with established laws.