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.
According to an official signed statement by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, the victims were formally handed over 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, 2026.
The statement explained that, in line with the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for handling victims of trafficking, the rescued individuals were initially taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, where they underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture and other administrative procedures before being transferred to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection and further investigation.
The Nigerian Navy said the successful rescue and handover underscore its unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the safety, protection and dignity of vulnerable persons.
It added that the operation also reflects the Service’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling human trafficking networks and strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture through effective inter-agency cooperation.
The Navy reaffirmed its resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations and partnerships with relevant stakeholders to prevent human trafficking, disrupt criminal syndicates and promote a safe and secure maritime environment in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
