By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

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 forms of transnational organised crime.

The Navy disclosed that the victims were rescued by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation conducted on July 17, 2026. They were subsequently transferred to NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja on July 19 for rehabilitation, protection and further investigation.

According to the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, the handover was carried out in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for handling victims of trafficking. He explained that the victims were first processed at the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, where documentation, biometric capture and other administrative procedures were completed before their transfer to NAPTIP.

Folorunsho said the successful rescue operation underscores the Navy’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from criminal networks involved in human trafficking and other illicit activities. He added that the operation reflects the service’s sustained collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling trafficking syndicates and strengthening national security.

The Navy further reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation aimed at preventing human trafficking, protecting vulnerable persons and promoting a safer maritime environment across the country.