The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has rescued seven young women suspected to be victims of human trafficking in two separate operations. The interceptions occurred at the Marina Jetty in Badagry on November 12 and 13, 2024, during routine patrols conducted by the Base’s Quick Response Team (QRT).
In the first operation, three young women aged 18 to 20 were found on a fibre boat headed for Panshi Owode. The victims disclosed during interrogation that they had no knowledge of their destination but had been instructed to call a contact number upon arrival at Panshin. They were allegedly being trafficked to the Republic of Benin and Togo under the guise of seeking a better life.
A similar operation on November 13 uncovered four more women aged 21 to 24, traveling from Mile 2 to Panshi Jetty. Like the earlier group, these women were also unaware of their destination and were reportedly being trafficked to the Republic of Benin and Senegal.
All seven victims were placed in the custody of the Base for safety before being handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on November 15, 2024. This transfer aligns with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain Bitebobo Augustus Amakiri, highlighted the Base’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring maritime security. He noted that since July 2024, the Base has rescued and handed over 47 young women to NAPTIP and the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.
“These sustained efforts reflect the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment, in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-6,” said Captain Amakiri.
NAPTIP’s Zonal Office in Ikeja, Lagos, will lead further investigations to identify the trafficking networks involved and ensure the victims receive necessary support and rehabilitation.
This latest success demonstrates the effectiveness of the Navy’s collaboration with relevant agencies in tackling human trafficking and promoting maritime safety within Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
