Navy rescues 8 trafficked victims, 2 drowning fishermen

The officers of the Nigerian Navy have rescued no fewer than eight female victims of human trafficking in the country.

The naval officers also rescued two drowning fishermen and apprehended eight male stowaways on the Nigerian water.

This was disclosed via a statement issued by the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Adams-Aliu said the successes were recorded by the navy units across the nation’s maritime domain in different operations between July 9 and 13, 2024.

He added that a sea robbery attempt was also foiled within the same period.

Adams-Aliu said the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base Badagry, on Saturday, intercepted a wooden passenger boat with eight females aged between 18 to 23 years en route the Benin Republic.

The navy spokesperson stated that upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent.

He said the victims were later handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), noting that further investigation to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate was ongoing.

Adams-Aliu revealed that the Nigerian Navy personnel of Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State, intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to rob a supply vessel along Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

Navy uncovers 2 illegal refineries in Delta

Adams-Aliu said the robbers opened fire on the naval officers, prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire.

He added that the robbers later retreated into the creeks, saying the robbery attempt was effectively foiled.

The navy spokesman stated: “Also, on 12 July 2024 Nigerian Navy personnel from Forward Operating Base Lekki rescued 2 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 capsized due to the rough sea state.”

Adams-Aliu disclosed that the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft patrol team, on July 13, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV Northernlight while underway along Lagos channel.

He said the incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.

“Upon interrogation, five suspects admitted that they attempted to board the vessel to enable them travel abroad. The suspects and speedboats have been handed over to Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command, for further investigation.

“Notably, NNS Beecroft has so far arrested 33 stowaways between January and July 2024.”

The Star