By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) — Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a substantial salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the move as a major morale booster that will strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Lawan said the new salary structure, which provides increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for military personnel across various ranks, reflects the President’s commitment to improving the welfare of the nation’s armed forces and rewarding their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He described the decision as “a masterstroke of compassionate and strategic leadership,” noting that the welfare of military personnel remains critical to maintaining a motivated and effective fighting force.
According to the former Senate President, the package is equitable and carefully structured, with junior personnel—including Privates, Lance Corporals, Corporals, Sergeants and Staff Sergeants—receiving an 80 per cent salary increase in recognition of the enormous risks they face in combat operations.
He noted that officers from the rank of Warrant Officer to Colonel will benefit from a 50 per cent increase, while senior officers up to the rank of General will receive a 30 per cent adjustment, describing the arrangement as a comprehensive recognition of every level of the military command structure.
Lawan observed that the implementation of the new salary structure, which takes effect from September 1, will raise the Armed Forces’ annual wage bill from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion, representing an additional ₦264 billion investment in the country’s security sector.
He said the improved remuneration would positively impact the morale of about 250,000 military personnel by providing them with the psychological and financial support needed to confront the country’s complex security challenges.
While applauding the Federal Government’s commitment, the Senate Defence Committee Chairman challenged members of the Armed Forces to reciprocate the gesture through greater dedication, discipline and operational excellence.
“I urge the Nigerian Armed Forces to respond to this gesture with intensified rededication and commitment to operational efficiency,” he said.
Lawan also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the nation’s security agencies, insisting that modern security threats require seamless coordination rather than isolated operations.
He called on the Army, Navy and Air Force to deepen joint operations, intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation, saying the era of inter-service rivalry and operational compartmentalisation must give way to a unified security approach.
“The complex nature of today’s threats demands that we do not just fight as individual services, but as one unified, lethal and professional force,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the enhanced welfare package would serve as a catalyst for a more coordinated offensive against criminal elements and insurgents, leading to the restoration of peace across troubled parts of the country.
Lawan further assured that the Senate Committee on Defence would continue to support the Armed Forces through adequate legislative backing and robust security appropriations to ensure they have the resources required to defeat threats to national security.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for recognising the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel, describing the salary increase as a well-deserved investment in those who risk their lives daily to defend the nation.
ABUJA- The Nigerian Navy has intercepted about 44,000 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products and arrested eight suspects in Rivers.
This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho said the operation was conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER in the Degema/Ogbogoro/Ogbologo axis.
He explained that the naval patrol team, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted two wooden boats laden with suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
According to him, the operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects linked to the illegal activity, while some armed accomplices fled on sighting the patrol team.
“The arrested suspects and recovered products are currently in custody and will be handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
Folorunsho noted that the feat aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, mandating intensified operations against crude oil theft and maritime crimes.
He added that the Navy would sustain the tempo of Operation DELTA SENTINEL through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced patrols and inter-agency collaboration.
The Spokesperson reaffirmed Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting critical national assets. (NAN)
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel.
Folorunsho said the action followed directives by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the nation’s maritime domain.
He said personnel of Forward Operating Base, FOB, Bonny uncovered the illegal storage facility within the Opotumbi general area during surveillance operations.
According to him, the discovery was made possible through Navy’s maritime surveillance technology which detected concealed dugout pits hidden under thick vegetation in the creeks.
Folorunsho added, “FOB Bonny elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered four dugout pits containing a cumulative 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
“The recovered products were subsequently destroyed in accordance with extant operational guidelines.”
Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s renewed momentum in tackling crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
He added that the service would continue to sustain patrols, enhance surveillance and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests within the maritime environment.
ABUJA- The Nigerian Navy says it has destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site containing about 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in the Bonny area of Rivers.
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the operation was carried out under Operation Delta Sentinel.
Folorunsho said the action followed directives by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, to intensify efforts against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across the nation’s maritime domain.
He said personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny uncovered the illegal storage facility within the Opotumbi general area during surveillance operations.
He explained that the discovery was made possible through Navy’s maritime surveillance technology which detected concealed dugout pits hidden under thick vegetation in the creeks.
He added that “FOB Bonny elements moved swiftly to the site and discovered four dugout pits containing a cumulative 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil.
“The recovered products were subsequently destroyed in accordance with extant operational guidelines.”
Folorunsho said the operation demonstrated Navy’s renewed momentum in tackling crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
He added that the service would continue to sustain patrols, enhance surveillance and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to protect critical national assets and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests within the maritime environment. (NAN)
Navy Cdr Shuaib Yakubu, the Base Executive Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy watching Assistant Comptroller Ibrahim Shehu of Nigeria Customs Service Seme command during handing over ceremony of 420 bags of foreign rice in Badagry on Wednesday
BADAGRY- The Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry on Wednesday handed over seized contraband items to the Nigeria Customs Service and the Civil Defence Corps.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria observed the handover, which was conducted by a senior naval officer at the Base in Badagry.
The Base transferred 420 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Customs Service Seme Area Command and another 55 bags to the Western Marine Command.
It also handed over 75 jerrycans of 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit to the Civil Defence Corps in Badagry.
Navy Capt. Leye Omotayo, Commanding Officer at the Base, said all the items were seized during intelligence-led operations carried out in recent weeks.
Represented by Cdr Shuaib Yakubu, he said the Base remained committed to ensuring a safe and lawful maritime corridor.
He said the operations were conducted in line with federal directives to curb smuggling and other economic crimes across maritime and border areas.
Omotayo added that the activities complied with harmonised procedures on arrests and handovers, as well as inter-agency cooperation rules.
He pledged continued patrols and surveillance to deter smuggling and other maritime offences within the Base’s jurisdiction.
He said the Base would uphold professionalism and inter-agency collaboration in support of the Naval Chief’s strategic vision.
Responding, Assistant Comptroller Ibrahim Shehu of Seme Area Command commended the Navy for the handover and for its role in maritime security.
He said the cooperation would strengthen synergy between security agencies in safeguarding national interests. (NAN)
ABUJA- The Nigerian Navy says its its Special Forces deactivated no fewer than 70 illegal refinery sites and confiscated over 400,000 litres of stolen crude oil across the Niger Delta in July 2025 alone.
This is contained in a monthly operational update issued on Friday by Commodore Ayiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Director of Naval Information, in Abuja.
Adams-Aliu said the intensified operations under the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity, were part of its effort to curb crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to him, the crackdown led to the discovery and destruction of 120 dugout pits, illegal storage facilities, and various equipment used in crude oil theft and illegal refining across Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States.
He said the Navy denied oil thieves access to about 411,400 litres of crude oil, 87,825 litres of illegally-refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 72,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 21,900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Providing key highlights of the operation, Naval spokesman said the troops had in July 4, discovered and deactivated illegal refining sites with over 66,000 litres of suspected crude and 40,000 litres of refined AGO at Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni in Rivers.
He added that the operations conducted on July 14 led to multiple arrests and seizures in Akwa Ibom and Delta States, involving smuggling attempts to Cameroon and the uncovering of underground reservoirs containing thousands of litres of stolen crude oil.
According to him, two large-scale illegal operations were dismantled on July 22 and 23, in Biseni Community, Bayelsa, with over 450,000 litres of crude oil recovered.
Adams-Aliu noted that its personnel also intercepted several wooden boats used for smuggling PMS and other petroleum products, and arrested six suspected smugglers.
He reaffirmed the navy’s resolve under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to stamp out oil theft and boost national oil production.
According to him, navy’s operations have contributed to the recent milestone announced by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), confirming that Nigeria’s oil production has now exceeded 1.8 million barrels per day.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to ensure maritime safety, deter illicit activities, and uphold national security within the nation’s maritime domain,” he said.
NAN reports that in a recent report released by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Nigeria lost a whopping 619.7 million barrels of oil valued at N16.25 trillion to theft between 2009 and 2020.
NEITI, however highlighted a reduction from 36.69 million barrels lost in 2022 to 7.68 million barrels in 2023.
This decrease, it said, is attributed to improved resource management and enhanced security measures(NAN)
WARRI- The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy says it has dismantled 10 illegal refining sites in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.
Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, the Commanding Officer of the FOB Escravos, disclosed this in a statement issued in Warri on Thursday.
Okoloagu said that the illegal refining sites were deactivated in July 2025 at Obodo Omadino Community following a series of coordinated operations, guided by credible information.
The naval boss said that the exercise was part of the ongoing Operation DELTA SANITY II.
Okoloagu added that the operations aligned with the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla which emphasised sustained pressure on economic saboteurs.
“Specifically, on July 1, operatives acting on actionable intelligence dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo Omadino.
“The sites contained 7,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 1,575 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) stored across one oven, 30 dugout pits and 21 polythene sacks.
“Subsequently, on July 12, one additional site was dismantled at Oteghele within Obodo Omadino, and 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil stored in five dugout pits were recovered.
“In a follow-up operation, on July 19, another illegal refining site with one pumping machine was uncovered and dismantled at Oteghele.
“Maintaining the momentum, on July 23, the Base deactivated two active illegal refining sites laden with 2,300 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,675 litres of illegally refined AGO.”
Okoloagu added that the Base uncovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites on Sunday at Obodo Omadino community.
According to him, the naval personnel have also dismantled another active illegal refining site at Obodo Omadino.
“Cumulatively, the Base deactivated 10 illegal refining sites and seized approximately 20,950 litres of stolen crude oil and 6,395 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“The products were discovered in two locally fabricated ovens, 92 dugout pits and 60 polythene sacks,” he said.
Okoloagu reemphasised the Base’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal refining infrastructure and safeguarding nation’s oil and gas assets.
He warned that perpetrators should either desist from the illicit acts or prepare to face the full wrath of the law.
(NAN)
As we begin 2025, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, has called on the media to help manage misinformation capable of misleading the public.
Oamen made the request during an end-of-year media engagement held at the Western Naval Command in Lagos.
According to him, the speed at which information is generated and transmitted today is such that you must keep pace with it to manage it and ensure national security.
“Misinformation and all forms of hindrances that will make just a simple incident become out of proportion must be managed
“So, the Western Naval Command is aware of such reality and we have decided that we must engage with the media within our sphere to have a platform to close that gap,” he said.
The FOC said that once there was such a gap, it would be exploited; therefore, having a platform to constantly engage with the media would help iron out issues.
“Such a platform will help straighten up any misconception or misinformation and that way we all will be contributing our quota to the attainment of our national security objective.
“In addition to our kinetic engagement, we have what we call the non-kinetic which encompasses our relationship with the larger society.
“Here, we try as much as possible to let every stakeholder in the society play their part in ensuring national security,” he said.
Oamen said that nobody really gained from strategies that were attributable to misinformation or wrong use of the information spectrum.
According to him, when each person makes the society good, the society will be good for everybody.
The FOC said that the year 2024 was quite eventful for the command and appreciated the role that the media played in informing the public of all its activities.
“As we look forward to 2025, the Western Naval Command, being the premier operational command of the Navy. we will be engaging in so many exercises and activities.
“Therefore, we are going to count on your support to inform the public of all our efforts, so that at the end of the day, the nation, is better for it,” Oamen said.
NAN
By Chibuike Nwabuko
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, other Lawmakers, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Shippers Council and several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on Monday rejected the Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Marine Corps.
The House Committee on Navy, on Monday conducted public hearing on the Bill, which seeks to promote maritime security and enhance the safety of the blue economy of Nigeria.
Known as a Bill for an Act to Establish Nigerian Marine Corps to Promote Maritime Security (HB 225), the Bill, sponsored by Rep. Alex Egbona (Cross River), passed second reading on the floor of the House on Thursday, 30th November, 2023, and was referred to the House Committee on Navy for a public hearing.
Speaking against the Bill on Monday, Rep. Agbese, who is a Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said the Bill proposes to create a new federal body tasked with maritime law enforcement and defense responsibilities traditionally managed by the Nigerian Navy and other existing agencies, such as NIMASA, and it would lead to duplication of functions, if allowed to scale through.
Speaking on behalf of 66 other Members of the House, Agbese stressed that, as Members of the House, it was their duty to critically examine proposed legislation with a view to ensuring its alignment with the best interests of the nation and to avoid the creation of unnecessary or duplicative structures within government agencies.
“Acting under the mandate to promote efficient governance and resource management, we hereby call for the total and complete rejection of the bill proposing the establishment of the Nigerian Marine Corps”, he said.
Speaking further, Agbese said, “It is our contention as Members of this legislative body that the creation of this new entity would only result in significant overlap, redundancy, and logistical strain, creating operational inefficiencies and imposing unwarranted financial demands on the government.
“The proposed Act outlines the creation of a maritime enforcement agency charged with enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of federal laws on, under, and over Nigeria’s high seas and other waterways, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and required to maintain a state of readiness to function as a specialized service within the Nigerian Navy in times of war. This proposed body raises multiple operational, economic, and strategic concerns particularly in the areas of jurisdictional conflicts, wartime readiness, legal authority, and environmental management.
“We have thoroughly examined this bill and its objectives and we assert that the establishment of a Nigerian Marine Corps is both redundant and counterproductive, given the existing roles, mandates, and capacities of the Nigerian Navy and other maritime agencies.
“We therefore firmly and unequivocally call for the total defeat of the bill and a recommendation for its immediate withdrawal, while highlighting the compelling need to prioritize efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and coherent maritime governance”.
On its part, the Nigeria Police Force described the Bill as ill-advised, stressing that it does not only lead to duplication of duties, which a section of the Force is currently undertaking, but it would result to proliferation of maritime security outfits and tantamount to a parallel unit of the armed forces of Nigeria.
“The proposed Nigerian Marine Corps, while well-intentioned, has the potential to create more problems than it solves. A more prudent approach would be to strengthen existing agencies and optimize their capabilities to ensure effective maritime security. By streamlining existing structures and fostering inter-agency cooperation, Nigeria can enhance its maritime security capabilities without incurring unnecessary costs or creating additional bureaucratic hurdles”, said SP. Nandom Vongjen, Staff Officer Marine Section, who represented the Police Force.
In their separate submissions, the Chief of Training & Operations of Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira; Coordinator, NIMASA, Abuja Zonal Office, Mrs. Moji Jimoh and Director, Legal Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Bala Saleh; underscored the need to strengthen the already existing agencies, rather than creating new ones which could pose more security threats to the nation.
All the Members of the Civil Society Organisations who attended the public hearing, spoke against the Bill, urging the House to kill the Bill during the third reading, describing it as unnecessary.
Those who spoke on behalf of the CSOs include, Abdullahi Bilal, Spokesman for Security Analysts & Research Forum in Africa; Okwa Daniel, Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice, Equity & Transparency; Daniel Momoh Prince, National President, Nigerian Unemployed Youth Association; Igwe Ude-Umanta, Convener, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on Economic Watch; Opialu Fabian, Executive Director, Centre for Human Rights & Advocacy in Africa Network; amongst others.
While adjourning the hearing, Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gadgi, assured Nigerians that due diligence would be done in carrying out legislative actions on the Bills, saying, the Committee was an impartial body and as such, would not take sides in doing its work.
The Nigerian Navy has announced that its troops from Operation Delta Sanity have achieved significant success in the Niger Delta region, deactivating 124 illegal refining sites and arresting 55 suspected oil thieves and illegal refinery operators over the past four months.
The Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, made this known to journalists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday.
He noted that 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits, and 64 storage tanks were also deactivated, along with the arrest of 6 vessels in the last four months.
Rear Admiral Bura added that various items and equipment used in constructing illegal refineries were seized, emphasizing that these operations were conducted in line with existing regulations.
“Since the extension in July 2024, a total of 55 suspects have been arrested while about 124 Illegal Refinery Sites were deactivated in accordance with extant regulations.
“Furthermore, a total of 116 wooden boats, 543 dugout pits and 64 storage tanks were deactivated while 6 vessels were arrested. Additionally, several items and equipment used in the construction of illegal refineries were seized”, he said.
He stated that the Nigerian Navy’s efforts to combat illegal crude oil refining and theft have positively influenced the nation’s oil production.
“These achievements have impacted positively on the Nation’s oil production. According to the NNPCL, the country currently produces 1.7 million barrels per day. This constitutes a significant increase compared to about 1.3 million barrels per day in June 2024″.
He also expressed gratitude to other security agencies, maritime stakeholders, community leaders, youths, and all well-meaning Nigerians for their ongoing support and collaboration in the fight against crude oil theft.
LAGOS- The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry, Lagos, has handed over seven suspected victims of human trafficking to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri, Commanding Officer, FOB, represented by
Sub-Lt. H.M. Danwalis, the Base Intelligence Officer, on Fiday, stated that the victims were intercepted on Oct. 1 and Oct. 3, respectively.
According to Amakari, on Oct. 1, at around 3:20 p.m., the Base Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed at the Base Jetty in Badagry intercepted a fiber boat carrying passengers en route to Panshi Jetty from Mile 2.
He said that a routine search and interrogation revealed that four young women, aged 19 to 21, were among the passengers and suspected to be victims of human trafficking.
“Further interrogation of the young ladies revealed that they were unaware of their destinations.
“They said that they had been instructed to call a contact upon their arrival at Panshin Jetty, where someone would pick them up to Republic of Benin and Mali for a better life.
“The girls were rescued and kept in the Base custody,” he said.
He said on Oct. 3, another fibre boat with passengers en-route Panshi Jetty from Mile 2 was intercepted by the Base QRT at about 6.19.p.m.
“During routine stop and search of passengers by the QRT, three girls between the ages of 15 to 17 years old, suspected to be victims of human trafficking, were discovered among other passengers.
“Further interrogation of the girls revealed that they were together with one Mrs Sharon Idehen, aged 29 years, along with a one-year and three months old baby in the same boat.
“The alleged crosser claimed to be an elder relative of the girls and that she was taking them to Ghana for a better life.
“The suspected victims and the alleged crosser are were taken into Base custody,” he said.
The Base Intelligent Officer said that the handing over to NAPTIP for further investigation and prosecution was in line with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.
“These sustained efforts of FOB Badagry demonstrates its unwavering commitment to maritime security within its Area of Responsibility (AOR).
“These are all geared toward complying with the Chief of Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspected victims were later handed over to a representative of Mrs Comfort Agboko, the NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Lagos Zone, at the agency’s office in Ikeja.
(NAN)
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) have arrested six suspected oil thieves, recovered stolen crude and destroyed illegal refining sites in Bayelsa State.
Disclosing this in a statement on Wednesday, the Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu, said the arrests and recoveries were made during operations undertaken between August 29 and September 2 by naval operatives deployed for Operation Delta Sanity.
Adams-Aliu said the six suspects were held with 109 sacks of illegally refined petroleum products along the Ogboinbiri-Kasama-Azama-Isoni of Bayelsa State on August 31, adding that four fibre and two wooden boats were also recovered the same day on the axis.
He said seven large Cotonou and two fibre boats operated by armed criminals loading crude oil from an illegal point around the Botokiri axis of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State were seized on August 29.
“On September1, two wooden boats and 328 sacks of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil were seized at Otuogori community river bank in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
“On 2 September, 35 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in a wooden boat were seized at Gbaraun area of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
“These successes indicate the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SANITY, and the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to sustain current efforts to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of the menace of crude oil theft and enhance crude oil production,” Adams-Aliu said.
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft have arrested eight suspected stowaways during their attempt to board two-speed boats.
Unknown to the suspects, the patrol team of NNS Beecroft had sighted them during a patrol conducted on July 13, 2024.
With the latest arrest, NNS Beecroft which is in Lagos has so far apprehended 33 stowaways between January and July.
A statement on Tuesday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said five of the eight suspects admitted that they wanted to travel abroad.
He said, “NNS Beecroft on July 13, 2024, arrested eight suspected stowaways in two speedboats attempting to board MV Northernlight while underway along Lagos Channel.
“The incident occurred when the patrol team sighted the suspects attempting to board the vessel through its rudder compartment.
“The suspects and speed boats have been handed over to Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos State Port and Marine Command for further investigation.
Similarly, Adams-Aliu said upon interrogation, the five suspects admitted that they attempted to board the vessel to enable them to travel abroad.
He also noted that eight female trafficked victims and two drowning fishermen were rescued.
Adams-Aliu said, “In the past week, from 9-13 July 2024, Nigerian Navy units across the Nation’s maritime domain, also rescued 8 female victims of human trafficking and 2 drowning fishermen.
“Additionally, a sea robbery attempt was foiled within the same period.
“Specifically, on July 9, 2024, the Quick Response Team of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry intercepted a wooden passenger boat with 8 females aged between 18-23 years en-route the Benin Republic.
“Upon interrogation, it became obvious that they were being trafficked by a yet-to-be-identified agent.
He noted that the victims were later handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons while further investigation to identify the agent and trafficking syndicate is ongoing.
