The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos, on Friday handed over seven suspected victims of human trafficking to National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Lagos.
Lt Bunmi Awodeyi, the Base Information Officer (BIO) in a statement in Badagry said the suspected victims of human trafficking were intercepted on Nov.12 and 13 respectively.
According to her, at about 5.00.p.m, on Nov.12, FOB Badagry Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at Market Outpost location, Badagry intercepted a fibre boat with passengers at Marina jetty en-route Panshi Owode, Lagos.
“During the routine stop and search of passengers by the QRT at the jetty, it was discovered that three young ladies suspected to be victims of human trafficking were among the passengers.
“Consequently, after much interrogation, the young ladies revealed that they were unaware of their destinations.
“But disclosed that they had been instructed to call a contact number written on a sheet of paper issued to them upon arrival at Panshin where someone would pick them up to Republic of Benin and Togo for a better life.
“The three suspected victims aged between 18 to 20 years were rescued and kept in Base custody,” she said.
Awodeyi said that again the Base QRT at the Base Jetty at about 12.55.p.m on Nov.13, intercepted another fibre boat with passengers en-route Panshi Jetty from Mile 2.
“During the routine stop and search of passengers by the QRT at the jetty, it was discovered that four young ladies suspected to be victims of human trafficking were among the passengers.
“Consequently, after much interrogation, the young ladies revealed that they were unaware of their destinations.
“But disclosed that they had been instructed to call a contact number written on a sheet of paper issued to them upon arrival at Panshin where someone would pick them up to Republic of Benin and Senegal for a better life.
“The four suspected victims aged 21 to 24 years were rescued and kept in Base custody,” she said.
The Base Information Officer said the handing over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution is in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.
She said since July, 2024, 47 young ladies had been handed over to NAPTIP and Nigeria Immigration Service respectively.
“These sustained efforts of FOB Badagry demonstrates its unwavering commitment to maritime security within its Area of Responsibility (AOR).
“These are all geared towards complying with the Chief of Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
The suspected victims of human trafficking were later handed over Mrs Comfort Agboko, the NAPTIP, Zonal Commander, Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja, who promised to ensure proper investigation.
