FOB: Navy Intercepts Human Trafficker, Seizes Smuggled Rice

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has successfully intercepted a human trafficking operation and seized a significant quantity of smuggled rice in two separate operations, demonstrating their commitment to maritime security and economic stability in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

In the first incident, on June 1, 2024, at approximately 16:47, a patrol team from FOB Badagry, while on routine surveillance at Tongeji Island, intercepted a wooden fibre passenger boat in the midstream area. Upon questioning, three young women, Nanbet Mwantu, Kyendi Pofi, and Patience Amos, claimed they were en route to Lagos.

However, the patrol team found this suspicious as the route suggested they were heading to the Benin Republic.

Further interrogation revealed that the women were likely being trafficked from Nigeria to the Benin Republic by one Miss Mozie Promise. The suspected trafficker was subsequently located, arrested, and taken to the base along with the victims. On June 4, 2024, the suspects and the victims were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Zonal Office in Ikeja, Lagos, for further investigation and prosecution. This action aligns with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.

Captain Bitebobo Augustus Amakiri, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, emphasized that these efforts are part of the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6, which aims to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

In a separate operation, on June 7, 2024, at about 05:30, acting on credible human intelligence from a local fisherman, the FOB Badagry patrol team intercepted a suspicious boat that had run aground at the Badagry-Porto Novo creek along the Topo-Idale route. The boat was found to contain several bags of foreign parboiled rice. During the interception, the suspects abandoned the vessel and swam through a swampy area to reach the shore. The boat and its contents were taken into custody for further investigation.

These actions are in line with the mission set forth by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), and Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, who launched Operation WATER GUARD on November 9, 2023. This operation aims to deny smugglers and other criminal elements the freedom to operate within the Western Naval Command’s area of operations, ensuring security and economic stability in the region.

Captain Amakiri reiterated that these sustained efforts by FOB Badagry are crucial for maintaining a secure maritime environment, which is essential for economic activities to thrive in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nigerian Navy’s proactive measures and strategic operations continue to play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s waters and contributing to the fight against smuggling and human trafficking.