The Nigerian Navy says it has rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC Stella off the Lagos Fairway Buoy during a search and rescue operation on Sunday.
In a statement, the Navy said the operation followed intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre at about 5:05 p.m., prompting the Quick Response Team of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT to be deployed from Tarkwa Bay.
The team intercepted and rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coast.
According to preliminary findings, the suspects allegedly boarded the vessel illegally at about 1:00 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.
They were identified as Aguru Michael, 27, from Benin Republic; Soye Monday, 25, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, 22, from Delta State.
They reportedly intended to stow away to Europe.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to safeguarding lives at sea and ensuring maritime security through sustained search and rescue operations,” the service said.
The suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT and are undergoing investigation and administrative processing.
The Navy said the rescue adds to recent operations targeting illegal migration and maritime safety violations within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
