Nigerian Navy Rescues 8 Victims of Human Trafficking, Arrests 8 Stowaways, Hands Over to NAPTIP, NIS

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

In an operation that spanned days across the nation’s maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy units rescued eight female victims of human trafficking, just as they intercepted and arrested eight male stowaways. 

The Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BADAGRY had intercepted a wooden passenger boat with eight females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.

According to the Naval Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, upon interrogation it became obvious that the females were being trafficked by a yet to be identified agent. 

In line with best practices, he said the victims were handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), while further investigation to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate is ongoing. 

 In a different incident, on July 13, 2024, the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV NORTHERNLIGHT while underway along Lagos Channel. 

The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment. 

Upon interrogation, five of them admitted that they attempted to board the vessel to enable them travel abroad. 

The DINFO said the suspects and speedboats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for further investigation

He added that these arrested suspects have increased the number of stowaways intercepted and arrested by NNS BEECROFT since January 2024. 

In another development, he said on July 10, 2024, he said the Nigerian Navy personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA, Akwa Ibom State intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting ot rob a supply vessel along Uyenghe River ni Mbo Local Government.

He said the robbers opened fire on own troops, prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire and made the robbers retreat into the creeks as their robbery attempt was obviously foiled. 

Meanwhile, on July 12, 2024, Nigerian Navy personnel from Forward Operating Base LEKKI rescued two drowning fishermen around Lekki Anchorage Area, about 10 nautical miles from Dangote Refinery at Ibeju- Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State. 

Findings revealed that the fishermen were fishing within the area when their boat capsized due to the rough sea state.

Commodore Adams-Aliu added that “It is important to remind all operators and stakeholders within the Nation’s maritime domain that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy is poised to keep Nigerian waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities. 

“Consequently, nefarious elements are advised to desist from perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.”