The Nigerian Navy has handed over two rescued victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Folorunsho said that the handover was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY, on July 19 at the agency’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja.

The director of naval information said that the handover followed the victims’ rescue during a targeted anti-human trafficking operation on July 17.

According to him, in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (HSOP) for the handling of victims of trafficking, the rescued individuals were first taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk.

He stated, “They underwent comprehensive documentation, biometric capture, and other necessary administrative procedures before being formally transferred to NAPTIP for rehabilitation, protection, and further investigation.

“The successful rescue and seamless handover underscore the navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and territorial corridors from transnational organised crime while ensuring the protection and dignity of vulnerable persons.

“It also reflects the service’s continued collaboration with relevant government agencies in dismantling human trafficking networks and strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture.”

Mr Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven and inter-agency cooperation aimed at preventing human trafficking, disrupting criminal syndicates, and promoting a safe and secure maritime environment in support of national security objectives.

(NAN)