Navy hands rescued trafficking victims to NAPTIP

The Nigerian Navy has transferred two victims rescued from suspected human trafficking activities to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, reaffirming its determination to combat organised crime across the country’s maritime domain.

The victims were handed over to NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja after they were intercepted during an intelligence-led operation carried out by the Forward Operating Base, Badagry.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the victims were rescued on July 17 before being formally transferred to the anti-trafficking agency on July 19.

The statement said, “The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking and other transnational organised crimes with the successful handover of two rescued human trafficking victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

“The handover, conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY on 19 July 2026 at the Agency’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja, followed the victims’ rescue during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation on 17 July 2026.”

According to the Navy, the victims were first taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, where officials completed all required documentation and biometric registration before they were transferred to NAPTIP.

It stated, “In line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for the handling of victims of trafficking, the rescued individuals were first taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, where they underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture, and other necessary administrative procedures before being formally transferred to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection, and further investigation.”

The Navy described the exercise as another demonstration of its resolve to protect vulnerable persons while working closely with other security and law enforcement agencies to dismantle trafficking networks.

It added, “The successful rescue and seamless handover underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the protection and dignity of vulnerable persons.

“It also reflects the Service’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling human trafficking networks and strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture.”

The statement concluded by stressing that the Navy would sustain intelligence-led operations and deepen cooperation with relevant agencies to prevent human trafficking and other organised crimes.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation aimed at preventing human trafficking, disrupting criminal syndicates, and promoting a safe and secure maritime environment in support of national security objectives.”