The Nigerian Navy has rescued eight female victims of human trafficking between Tuesday and Saturday.
Additionally, the navy saved two fishermen from drowning and detained eight male stowaways in Nigerian waters.
Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the navy’s spokesperson, announced on Tuesday that these achievements were made by various naval units during multiple operations across the country’s maritime domain.
He also mentioned that an attempted sea robbery was thwarted during the same period.
On Saturday, the Nigerian Navy’s quick response team at Forward Operating Base Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat carrying eight females aged between 18 and 23 years, who were en route to the Benin Republic. Upon interrogation, it became evident that they were being trafficked by an unidentified agent.
The victims were handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and further investigations are underway to identify the agent and the trafficking syndicate.
On Wednesday, personnel from the Forward Operating Base IBAKA in Akwa Ibom intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to attack a supply vessel along the Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government Area. The robbers opened fire on the naval troops, who responded with heavy gunfire.
“The robbers later retreated into the creeks, and the robbery attempt was effectively foiled.
“Also, on July 12, the personnel from Forward Operating Base Lekki rescued two drowning fishermen around Lekki Anchorage Area, about 10 nautical miles from Dangote Refinery at Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.
“Findings revealed that the fishermen were fishing within the area when their boat capsised due to the rough sea state,” he said.
The Navy spokesman said the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV NORTHERN LIGHT while underway along Lagos Channel on Saturday.
He said the incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.
According to him, five suspects admitted that they attempted to board the vessel to enable them to travel abroad upon interrogation.
“The suspects and speedboats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for further investigation.
“Notably, NNS BEECROFT has so far arrested 33 stowaways between January and July,” he added.
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