Navy rescues 8 trafficked women, 2 drowning fishermen…arrests stowaways
The Nigerian Navy in a number of operations has rescued eight female victims of human trafficking, two fishermen who were drowning, and arrested a total of eight stowaways.
Spokesman of the Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Aliu, in a statement, gave a breakdown of the rescue operations as well as the arrests made.
“In the past week, from 9-13 July 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain, rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking, 2 drowning fishermen and arrested 8 male stowaways. Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period,” the statement reads in part.
He explained that the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base BADAGRY Quick Response Team, had on the 9 July 2024, intercepted a wooden passenger boat with eight females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic. Upon interrogation, it was discovered that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent.
The navy said that the rescued victims have been 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.
In another development, Navy personnel of Forward Operating Base IBAKA, Akwa Ibom State, intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to rob a supply vessel along Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government.
The navy spokesman said: “The robbers opened fire on own troops, prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire. The robbers later retreated into the creeks and the robbery attempt was effectively foiled.
“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.”
The navy also disclosed the arrest of eight stowaways by the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT patrol team.
The stowaways were in two speedboats 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,” the navy said.
The navy assured of continuous security in the maritime domain, and used this medium to warn against perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
