The Nigerian Navy has intercepted three men suspected of attempting to stow away on a merchant vessel off the Lagos coastline in an operation aimed at strengthening maritime safety and curbing irregular migration.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the Director of Naval Information Abiodun Folorunsho said the operation was carried out by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) on April 19.

He said the quick response team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed the suspects had illegally boarded the vessel at about 1a.m. on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. Folorunsho identified the individuals as Aguru Michael (27), a national of the Republic of Benin; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta State. He said the suspects intended to go to Europe.