The Nigerian Navy has transferred two rescued victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), reinforcing its commitment to combating human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime across the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho.
According to the statement, 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.
Folorunsho explained that the victims were officially handed over to NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja on July 19 in accordance with established inter-agency procedures.
He noted that the transfer followed the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for the handling and protection of victims of human trafficking.
The Navy spokesman said the rescued individuals were initially taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk, where they underwent the required administrative processes.
According to him, the procedures included proper documentation, biometric data capture and other official protocols before they were transferred to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection and further investigation.
Folorunsho stated that the successful operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from criminal exploitation while ensuring that victims of trafficking receive appropriate care and support.
He added that the operation also demonstrates the Navy’s continued partnership with relevant government institutions in dismantling human trafficking syndicates and strengthening national security.
“The successful rescue and handover underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the safety and dignity of vulnerable persons,” the statement said.
He further explained that collaboration between security agencies remains essential in addressing trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Folorunsho reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen inter-agency cooperation aimed at preventing human trafficking and other criminal activities.
He stressed that the service remains committed to disrupting organised criminal networks and promoting a secure maritime environment in support of Nigeria’s broader national security objectives.
The Navy also assured the public that it would sustain efforts to protect vulnerable persons while working closely with relevant authorities to ensure perpetrators of human trafficking are brought to justice.
