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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Navy said its operatives have arrested eight stowaways, rescued eight female victims of human trafficking and rescued two drowning fishermen off the Nigerian waterways.
Director Naval Information, Commodore Adams-Aliu, who made the disclosure, said the victims were rescued between July 9-13, 2024 by teams of Nigerian Navy units across the nation’s maritime domain.
He also said a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the period when sea robbers attempted to rob a supply vessel along the Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government.
Commodore Adams-Aliu, in a statement issued, early yesterday morning, on some of the successes recorded by the navy within the period, said: “In the past week, from July 9-13, 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the nation’s maritime domain, rescued eight female victims of human trafficking, two drowning fishermen and arrested eight male stowaways.
Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period. Specifically, on July 9, 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat with eight females, aged between 18-23 years, en route to the Benin Republic.
Upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be identified agent.
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The victims were later handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), while further investigation to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate was ongoing.
“In another development, on July 10, 2024, Nigerian Navy personnel of Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, intercepted suspected sea robbers attempting to rob a supply vessel, along the Uyenghe River in Mbo Local Government. The robbers opened fire on our troops, prompting them to respond with heavy gunfire. The robbers later retreated into the creeks and the robbery attempt was effectively foiled.
“Also, on July 12, 2024, Nigerian Navy personnel from Forward Operating Base Lekki, rescued two drowning fishermen around the 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 capsised due to the rough sea state.
In a different incident, on July 13, 2024, the Nigeria Navy Ship Beecroft patrol team arrested eight suspected stowaways 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, five suspects admitted that they attempted to board the vessel, to enable them travel abroad. The suspects and speedboats have been handed over to the 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.
“It is important to remind all operators and stakeholders within the nation’s maritime domain that, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy is poised to keep Nigerian waters safe and secure for legitimate economic activities. Consequently, nefarious elements are advised to desist from perpetuating any form of illegalities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
