The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard a merchant vessel, MSC STELLA, near the Lagos Fairway Buoy.

According to naval authorities, the operation was carried out by personnel of NNS BEECROFT after receiving intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre.

A Quick Response Team from Tarkwa Bay rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

Preliminary investigations revealed the three men allegedly boarded the vessel illegally around 1:00 a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

The suspects were identified as Aguru Michael (27), a Benin Republic national, Soye Monday (25) from Ondo State, and Kentobou Peter (22) from Delta State.

Authorities said the men intended to stow away to Europe.

The Navy said the suspects are currently in custody for investigation and administrative processing.

Officials added that the operation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security, rescue operations, and prevent irregular migration through Nigeria’s territorial waters.