Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, have arrested three suspected stowaways attempting to illegally migrate to Europe aboard a merchant vessel, MSC STELLA with IMO No. 9279988 off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
The arrest, the Navy said occurred on Sunday, April 19 in a continued demonstration of its Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime security commitment.
The Navy said the operation followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC), at about 5:05 p.m.
According to a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Quick Response Team (QRT) of NNS BEECROFT, stationed at Tarkwa Bay, was immediately deployed to the vessel’s location following the alert.
He said the team successfully rescued the three suspects approximately five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1:00 a.m. on Friday, 17 April 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.
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.
“This recent rescue effort exemplifies the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.
“Building on previous successful SAR missions—such as the rescue of seven individuals after the collision involving a Tantita Patrol boat and a wooden vessel in Bayelsa, and the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026—the Navy continues to demonstrate its robust operational tempo in countering irregular migration and ensuring maritime safety across Nigeria’s waters, ” the statement said.
Folorunsho said the suspects are now in the custody of NNS BEECROFT, where they are undergoing thorough investigation and administrative processing in line with established laws.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and maintaining effective Search and Rescue operations to combat illegal activities within the country’s territorial waters.
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