The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has rescued 12 young women suspected to be victims of human trafficking in two separate operations. The interceptions occurred on September 30, 2024, as part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities along the nation’s waterways.

In the first incident, the FOB Badagry Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at Tongeji Island intercepted a fibre passenger boat en route to Panshin Jetty in Owode. During the routine search and interrogation of passengers, eight young women, aged between 19 and 24, were suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

Later that evening, at around 8:10 PM, another fibre boat transiting to the Republic of Benin was intercepted at the Base Jetty. Four additional young women, also suspected of being trafficked, were rescued during this operation.

On October 1, 2024, the 12 rescued victims were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Lagos State Border Patrol Command in Seme, Badagry, for further investigation. This handover was in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) of 2006.

Navy Captain Biterobo Augustus Amakiri, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, praised the swift action of the Navy personnel, emphasizing that these efforts align with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-6, which seeks to ensure a secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nigerian Navy continues to demonstrate its dedication to curbing human trafficking and other illegal activities in its Area of Responsibility (AOR), reinforcing maritime security and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.