Nigerian Navy rescues nine victims of human trafficking bound for Benin, Ghana

The Nigerian Navy’s Badagry unit in Lagos State has successfully rescued nine individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking and handed them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Base Information Officer Lt. B.C. Awodeyi confirmed the transfer in a statement on Wednesday, detailing the Navy’s efforts to combat human trafficking. The interceptions occurred between October 11 and 13, 2024.

“At around 4:21 p.m. on October 11, 2024, the Base Quick Response Team (QRT), stationed at the T-Junction in Badagry, intercepted a fibre boat carrying passengers from Mile 2, Lagos to Panshi Jetty,” Awodeyi explained. During a routine stop and search at the jetty, the team identified five young women among the passengers who were suspected victims of trafficking.

Upon further questioning, the women, aged between 19 and 32, indicated they were unaware of their final destination. “They said they had been given a contact number to call upon arrival at Panshi, where someone would take them to the Republic of Benin and Ghana with promises of a better life,” she added.

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Following this initial rescue, another operation took place on October 13, 2024, around 3:15 p.m. The QRT intercepted another fibre boat at Tongeji Island, also heading to Panshi Owode, and discovered four additional women, aged 19 to 24, who were similarly suspected to be victims of trafficking. Awodeyi noted that, like the first group, these women were also unaware of their destination and had been instructed to contact a number upon arrival, with plans to be transported to Guinea and Togo.

All nine victims were handed over to NAPTIP’s Ikeja Zonal Office in Lagos for further investigation and possible prosecution. “This action follows the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of 2016,” Awodeyi remarked.

She emphasized the Navy’s ongoing commitment to maritime security, stating, “The sustained efforts by the FOB Badagry highlight the Navy’s unwavering commitment to ensuring maritime security within its Area of Responsibility, in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-2026. This aims to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”

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