Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking, 2 drowning fishermen and arrested 8 male stowaways within 9th to 13th of July, 2024.
A sea robbery was also terminated within the same period.
According to a press release issued by the NN Director of Information, Commodore Adams Aliu , this is a result of the activities of the NN Units across the nation waters.
While giving a breakdown of the operations achievements, he disclosed that on the 9th of July, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 en-route Benin Republic.
“Upon interrogations ,it became obvious that they were being trafficked by yet to be identified agent.The victims were later handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) while further investigation to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate is ongoing”
Adams Aliu revealed that on 10th July, 2024, the Nigerian Navy personnel of Forwarding Operating Base IBAKA, Akwa Ibom state intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to rob a supply vessel along Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government.
“The robbers opened fire on our own troops, prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire.The robbers later retreated into their creeks and robbery attempts were effectively foiled”.
He made it known that on 12th of July, 2 fishermen were rescued after their boat capsized while fishing around Lekki, Lagos.
“The 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 the boat capsized due to the rough sea state”
However, on 13th of July, 2024, the NIGERIAN NAVY SHIP BEECROFT Patrol Team arrested 8 suspected stowaways in 2 speed boats attempting to board MV NORTHERNLIGHT while underway along Lagos Channel.
“The Incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.Upon interrogation, 5 suspects admitted that they attempted to board the vessel to enable them travel abroad.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 2024.
Commodore Adams Aliu warned those involved in criminal activities across Nigerian waters to disengage from such activities.
” It is important to remind all operators and stakeholders within the Nation’s maritime domain that under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla , the Nigerian Navy is poised to keep Nigerian waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities.Consequently, nefarious elements are advised to desist from perpetrating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters” he wrote.
