Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft have arrested three suspected stowaways who attempted to migrate illegally to Europe aboard the merchant vessel MSC Stella (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.

The suspects — Aguru Michael, 27, a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday, 25, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, 22, from Delta State — were apprehended on Sunday, April 19, following intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5:05 p.m.

The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the operation reflects the Navy’s ongoing Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime security efforts.

He explained that the Quick Response Team (QRT) of NNS Beecroft, based at Tarkwa Bay, was deployed immediately after the alert and intercepted the vessel about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects boarded the vessel around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.

“This recent rescue effort reflects the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding lives at sea.

“Building on previous SAR missions, including the rescue of seven individuals after a 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 sustain operations against irregular migration and other maritime risks,” he said.

Folorunsho added that the suspects are in the custody of NNS Beecroft, where they are undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with existing laws.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and sustaining effective Search and Rescue operations.