The Nigerian Navy said it has foiled a suspected human trafficking attempt and rescued two victims during an intelligence-led operation in Badagry, Lagos State.
The victims were intercepted by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry on July 17 and were formally handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) at its Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja on July 19 for rehabilitation and further investigation.
Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the victims were processed at the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, where they underwent documentation, biometric capture and other procedures in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for handling trafficking victims before being transferred to NAPTIP.
Folorunsho said the successful operation highlighted the Navy’s determination to combat human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with relevant security agencies.
He added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the trafficking syndicate responsible for the failed operation.