The Nigerian Navy in Badagry, Lagos, has transferred nine individuals suspected of being victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Lt. B.C. Awodeyi, the Base Information Officer, confirmed the handover in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Awodeyi, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Navy conducted the transfer after intercepting the suspected victims on October 11 and 13.
On October 11, at approximately 4:21 p.m., the FOB Badagry’s Base Quick Response Team (QRT) intercepted a fiber boat carrying passengers traveling from Mile 2, Lagos, to Panshi Jetty. During a routine stop and search, the team discovered five young women among the passengers who were suspected victims of human trafficking.
After questioning, the women revealed they were unaware of their intended destination. They stated they had been instructed to call a contact number written on a paper given to them upon arrival at Panshin, where someone would pick them up for travel to the Republic of Benin and Ghana in search of a better life. The five victims, aged between 19 and 32, were rescued and placed in the Base’s custody.
On October 13, around 3:15 p.m., the FOB Badagry QRT, stationed at Tongeji Island, intercepted another fiber boat headed for Panshi Owode. Again, four young women were found among the passengers, who were also suspected victims of human trafficking. Following interrogation, these women revealed they, too, were unaware of their destination and had been instructed to call a contact upon arrival at Panshin for transport to Guinea and Togo.
The four victims, aged 19 to 24, were similarly rescued and kept in custody.
On October 15, the nine victims were handed over to NAPTIP’s zonal office in Ikeja, Lagos, for further investigation and prosecution, in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution 201