The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry has announced the arrest of an alleged human trafficker and the rescue of three suspected victims of trafficking. This operation took place on September 30, 2024, when the FOB Badagry Quick Response Team (QRT) intercepted a fibre passenger boat near Tongeji Island en route to Panshin Jetty in Owode.

During a routine search and interrogation of the passengers, it was discovered that three young women, aged between 19 and 21, were being trafficked by one Mr. Chidubem Arinze. The trafficker reportedly intended to transport the women across the border into the Republic of Benin and further into Côte d’Ivoire.

Following the interception, the suspected trafficker was arrested, and the victims were safely rescued. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the suspect and the rescued victims were handed over to the Lagos Zonal Office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution. This action is in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) of 2016.

Navy Captain Biterobo Augustus Amakiri, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, commended the team for their vigilance, highlighting that the successful operation reflects the Navy’s commitment to maritime security. He emphasized that these efforts align with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-6, aimed at ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nigerian Navy’s sustained operations continue to demonstrate its dedication to curbing illegal activities along the nation’s waterways and protecting vulnerable individuals from human trafficking.