Nigerian Navy has rescued eight female victims of human trafficking, two drowning fishermen, and arrested eight male stowaways in the nation’s maritime domain.
According to a statement issued on July 16, by the Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the Navy’s Quick Response Team Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BADAGRY intercepted a wooden passenger boat on July 9, 2024, carrying eight females aged between 18-23 en route to the Benin Republic.
Commodore Adams-Aliu said upon interrogation, it was revealed that the victims were being trafficked by an unknown agent, adding that the Navy’s swift response prevented further harm and ensured the safety of the victims.
In addition to the human trafficking rescue, the Navy also arrested eight male stowaways and foiled a sea robbery attempt within the same period.
He added that the rescued victims were subsequently transferred to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care and support. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy is conducting a comprehensive investigation to uncover the identity of the trafficking agent and syndicate involved, with efforts underway to bring those responsible to justice.
Similarly, in two separate incidents, Commodore Adams Aliu noted that the Navy demonstrated its commitment to protecting the nation’s waterways and saving lives.
Recounting a incident on July 10, 2024, where personnel from the Forward Operating Base IBAKA in Akwa Ibom State intercepted a group of suspected sea robbers attempting to rob a supply vessel along the Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government.
He said the robbers opened fire on the Navy personnel, who responded with heavy gunfire, forcing the robbers to retreat into the creeks and foiling the robbery attempt.
In another operation on July 12, 2024, he said the Nigerian Navy personnel from the Forward Operating Base LEKKI rescued two drowning fishermen in the Lekki Anchorage Area, approximately 10 nautical miles from the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.
He pointed out that the fishermen’s boat had capsized due to rough seas while they were fishing in the area.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on July 13, 2024, the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team apprehended eight suspected stowaways attempting to board the vessel MV NORTHERNLIGHT while it was underway in the Lagos Channel.
The suspects were caught trying to access the vessel’s rudder compartment.
The Navy information Director added that upon questioning, five of the suspects admitted that they were attempting to stow away on the vessel to travel abroad.
He said the Nigerian Navy has handed over the suspects and their speedboats to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port, and Marine Command for further investigation.
He said the incident marks the latest in a series of stowaway arrests by the Nigerian Navy. Notably, NNS BEECROFT has arrested a total of 33 suspected stowaways between January and July 2024, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to securing the nation’s waterways and preventing illegal activities.
Consequently, he issued a stern warning to nefarious elements operating within the nation’s maritime domain, reiterating Navy’s commitment to keeping Nigerian waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.
He said under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Navy is poised to take decisive action against any form of illegality, including piracy, sea robbery, and other criminal activities, just as he advised all operators and stakeholders to be aware of the Navy’s resolve and to desist from perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
He said: “The Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, is committed to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian waters for legitimate economic activities.
“We urge all operators and stakeholders within the nation’s maritime domain to be aware of our resolve to combat illegal activities. Let this serve as a warning to nefarious elements: desist from perpetuating any form of illegality within Nigeria’s territorial waters, as we are poised to take decisive action against such threats.”