The Nigerian Navy’s Badagry Forward Operating Base has successfully intercepted and rescued nine young women believed to be victims of human trafficking.
The women have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation.
According to The PUNCH, Lt. B.C. Awodeyi, the Navy’s Base Information Officer, reported that the Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT) intercepted two separate groups between October 11 and October 13, 2024, during routine operations at key maritime locations in Badagry.
The first incident occurred around 4:21 p.m. on October 11, when a fiber boat traveling from Mile 2, Lagos, to Panshi Jetty was stopped by the Navy. Upon inspection, the team discovered five young women, aged 19 to 32, who were suspected trafficking victims. Lt. Awodeyi noted that the women were unaware of their final destination.
“They revealed they were instructed to contact someone upon their arrival at Panshi, who would then take them to the Republic of Benin and Ghana, promising them a better life,” she stated.
Just two days later, on October 13 at approximately 3:15 p.m., another fiber boat bound for Panshi Owode was intercepted near Tongeji Island, Badagry. Four additional women, aged 19 to 24, were found onboard, also suspected victims of trafficking.
Similar to the first group, these women had been provided with contact information for someone to meet them upon arrival, with plans to transport them further to Guinea and Togo.
“The circumstances surrounding the second group mirrored those of the first, with the women lacking clear knowledge of their destination and who would be waiting for them,” Lt. Awodeyi added.
All nine victims were transferred to NAPTIP’s Ikeja Zonal Office in Lagos on Tuesday, in accordance with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of 2016.
Lt. Awodeyi emphasized the commitment of FOB Badagry to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain, especially within the Gulf of Guinea. “Our actions align with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-2026, aimed at securing a safe maritime environment,” she concluded.
