Nigerian Navy Rescues Eight Women from Traffickers, Two Fishermen from Drowning, and Arrests Eight Stowaways
The Nigerian Navy (NN) has successfully rescued eight female victims of human trafficking, two fishermen in distress, and apprehended eight male stowaways in a series of operations conducted between July 9 and 13, 2024.
A statement by Commodore Adams Aliu, the NN Director of Information, highlighted these operations and their outcomes. The operations, carried out by various NN units across Nigerian waters, also thwarted a sea robbery attempt during this period.
On July 9, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat carrying eight young women aged 18-23 en route to the Benin Republic. Upon interrogation, it was discovered that the women were victims of human trafficking by an unidentified agent. The victims were handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and investigations to identify the trafficking network are ongoing.
On July 10, personnel from the Forward Operating Base IBAKA in Akwa Ibom State intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to hijack a supply vessel along the Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government Area. The robbers opened fire on the Navy troops, who responded with heavy gunfire, forcing the robbers to retreat into the creeks, thereby foiling the robbery attempt.
That same day, two fishermen were rescued by personnel from the Forward Operating Base Lekki after their boat capsized while fishing around the Lekki Anchorage Area, approximately 10 nautical miles from the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State. The rough sea state caused the capsizing.
On July 13, the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT Patrol Team arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speed boats attempting to board the MV NORTHERNLIGHT while it was underway along the Lagos Channel. The suspects were spotted trying to access the vessel through its rudder compartment. Upon interrogation, five suspects admitted their intention to travel abroad. The suspects and their speedboats have been handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port, and Marine Command for further investigation. Notably, the NNS BEECROFT has arrested 33 stowaways between January and July 2024.
Commodore Aliu warned against engaging in criminal activities within Nigerian waters, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to maintaining security under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. He urged all maritime operators and stakeholders to support legitimate economic activities and warned nefarious elements to desist from illegal activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
