Operatives of the Nigerian Navy attached to NNS Beecroft have arrested three persons suspected of attempting to illegally migrate to Europe by hiding aboard a merchant vessel off the Lagos coastline.
The Navy’s spokesperson, Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the interception followed intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) on Sunday, April 19.
He said acting on the tip-off, a Quick Response Team (QRT) based at Tarkwa Bay was deployed to the vessel, MSC Stella, near the Lagos Fairway Buoy.
Folorunsho said the team intercepted the suspects about five nautical miles offshore and safely removed them from the ship, thwarting what authorities believe was an attempt at irregular migration.
According to him, initial investigations indicate that the trio boarded the vessel without authorisation in the early hours of Friday while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port.
He said the suspects were identified as Aguru Michael, 27, a national of the Benin Republic; Soye Monday, 25, from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter, 22, from Delta state.
According to the Navy, the operation underscores its continued efforts to strengthen maritime security and respond promptly to incidents at sea. The spokesperson also referenced recent rescue missions, including interventions after a boat collision in Bayelsa and the handling of foreign stowaways intercepted earlier in March.
“The suspects are currently in naval custody, where investigations and administrative procedures are ongoing in line with existing regulations,” the statement added.
The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and tackling illegal activities, particularly unauthorised migration through the maritime domain.
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