The Nigerian Navy has handed over two rescued victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), reaffirming its commitment to combating human trafficking and other transnational organised crimes.
The victims were formally transferred by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry to NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja on July 19, 2026, following their rescue during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation conducted on July 17.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the rescued victims were first taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, where they underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture and other administrative procedures in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for handling trafficking victims.
The Navy said the victims were subsequently handed over to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection and further investigation.
The statement noted that the successful rescue and seamless transfer underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the safety and dignity of vulnerable persons.
It added that the operation also reflects the Service’s sustained collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling human trafficking networks and strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations and deepen inter-agency cooperation to prevent human trafficking, disrupt criminal syndicates and promote a safe and secure maritime environment in support of national security objectives.
