Navy intercepts 3 stowaways in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted three suspected stowaways on board the merchant ship MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the coast of Lagos Fairway Buoy.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said the operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) BEECROFT following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Center (WRCC) at 5.05pm on Sunday.

He said the Rapid Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay managed to rescue the suspects about five nautical miles from the Lagos coastline.

According to the spokesperson, initial investigations revealed that the suspects boarded the vessel illegally at around 1:00am on April 17 when the vessel was anchored at Tin Can Island Harbor, Lagos.

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

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He said the suspects intended to move to Europe.

The director noted that the operation underscores the navy’s ongoing commitment to protecting life at sea and curbing irregular migration in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He recalled the success of previous search and rescue missions, including the rescue of seven people following a maritime collision in Bayelsa, as well as the rescue and surrender of three foreign stowaways aboard the MT ANATOLIA in March.

“The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigations and administrative processes in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

“The Nigerian Navy reaffirms its commitment to maritime safety, security and continuous monitoring of Nigeria’s territorial waters,” Folorunsho said.