The Nigerian Navy’s unit in Badagry, Lagos State, has transferred nine suspected victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The Navy confirmed the handover after intercepting the victims during two operations between October 11 and 13, 2024.
In the first operation on October 11, the Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT) intercepted a boat at the T-Junction in Badagry. Among the passengers were five young women, aged 19 to 32, who appeared to be trafficking victims. Upon questioning, the women admitted they were unaware of their final destination and had been instructed to contact someone who would take them to the Republic of Benin and Ghana with promises of better opportunities.
Two days later, the QRT intercepted another boat at Tongeji Island, Badagry. This time, four women, aged 19 to 24, were found on board. Similar to the first group, they were unaware of their final destination and were to be transported to Guinea and Togo.
All nine victims were handed over to NAPTIP’s Ikeja Zonal Office for further investigation and potential prosecution. The Nigerian Navy emphasized its commitment to ensuring maritime security and fighting human trafficking as part of its broader strategic directive for 2023-2026.
