Operatives of the Nigerian Navy arrested eight stowaways, rescued two drowning fishermen and eight victims of human trafficking off the Nigerian Waters.
Director Info on the Naval Headquarters, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu mentioned the rescued victims comprised eight feminine victims of human trafficking, eight male stowaways and two drowning fishermen.
In accordance with the assertion, the victims have been rescued between 9 and 13 July 2024 by groups of Nigerian Navy models throughout the nation’s maritime area, including {that a} sea theft try was additionally foiled inside the interval.
Cdre Adams-Aliu defined that the Fast Response Crew of the Nigerian Navy Ahead Working Base BADAGRY, on ninth July 2024 intercepted a picket passenger boat with eight females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
He pressured that interrogation revealed that the women have been being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent.
The Director additional mentioned the victims have been later handed over to the Nationwide Company for Prohibition of Trafficking in Individuals (NAPTIP) whereas additional investigation to establish the agent and trafficking syndicate is ongoing.
Moreover, on 10 July 2024, Nigerian Navy personnel of Ahead Working Base IBAKA, Akwa Ibom State, intercepted suspected sea robbers trying to rob a provide vessel alongside Uyenghe River in Mbo native authorities.
He mentioned the robbers opened hearth on the troops, prompting them to reply with heavy gunfire.
The Director mentioned the robbers later retreated into the creeks in futility.
In the meantime, on 12 July 2024, Nigerian Navy personnel from Ahead Working Base LEKKI rescued two drowning fishermen round Lekki Anchorage Space, about 10 nautical miles from Dangote Refinery at Ibeju-Lekki native authorities space of Lagos State.
Cdre Adams-Aliu mentioned findings by the troops later revealed that the fishermen have been fishing inside the space when their boat capsised as a result of tough sea state.
The assertion famous additional, that troops of the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT Patrol Crew on 13 July, 2024 arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats, trying to board MV NORTHERNLIGHT whereas underway alongside Lagos Channel.
Adams-Aliu mentioned the Navy patrol crew sighted the suspects trying to board the vessel via its rudder compartment, including that upon interrogation, 5 suspects admitted that they tried to board the vessel to allow them journey overseas.
The spokesperson mentioned the suspects and speedboats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for additional investigation.
He additional disclosed that the NNS BEECROFT has within the final seven months arrested 33 stowaways between January and July 2024.
Cdre Adams-Aliu then warned, that the Nigerian Navy below the management of the Chief of Naval Employees Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla stays poised to maintaining Nigerian waters secure and safe for reputable financial actions.
The Nigerian Navy additionally warned nefarious parts to desist from perpetuating any type of illegalities inside Nigeria’s territorial waters.
