Nigerian Navy Arrests Three Suspected Stowaways off Lagos

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Three suspected stowaways have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy aboard a merchant vessel, MSC STELLA, off the Lagos Fairway Buoy.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Captain AA Folorunsho, the arrest followed credible intelligence received from the Western Regional Control Centre at about 5:05 p.m. on April 19, 2026. Personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT deployed a Quick Response Team from Tarkwa Bay to the vessel’s location, where the suspects were intercepted about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects boarded the vessel illegally at about 1:00 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port. The suspects were identified as AguruMichael, 27, a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday, 25, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, 22, from Delta State. They were reportedly attempting to travel to Europe as stowaways.

The Navy said the suspects are currently in custody at NNS BEECROFT and are undergoing investigation and administrative procedures in line with existing laws.

It added that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration and strengthen maritime security within Nigeria’s territorial waters.