The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos on Monday handed over 529 bags of seized smuggled foreign rice to Nigeria Customs Service in Badagry.
The Commanding Officer, FOB, said the seized items were intercepted during a series of targeted, intelligence-led operations conducted by personnel of the Base within its Area of Operations (AOO).
According to the Commanding Officer, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY has sustained aggressive operations against smuggling and other transnational crimes
“During intelligence-driven patrols and targeted operations along the Badagry-Porto Novo Creek and adjoining waterways, the Base intercepted and confiscated 529 bags of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
“The operation further disrupted smuggling activities along the Nigeria-Benin maritime corridor.
“In accordance with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and extant regulations, FOB BADAGRY handed over the seized items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday,” he said.
The Commanding Officer said that
a total of 420 bags were handed over to the NCS Seme Area Command at about 1000am, while 109 bags were subsequently handed over to the NCS Western Marine Command, Badagry, at about 1105am.
He said that both handing-over ceremonies were conducted at the Base Jetty and were hitch free.
“Since assuming office, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has consistently emphasized building a professional and combat-ready Nigerian Navy dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests in collaboration with other security agencies.
“In line with this vision, FOB BADAGRY has continued to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and sustain intelligence-driven operations to combat smuggling, trafficking and other transnational crimes within its Area of Operations.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting national economic security through sustained enforcement operations.
“FOB BADAGRY will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies to deny criminal elements freedom of action within its Area of Operations.
“We encourage members of the public to provide credible information that will enhance maritime security and safeguard the nation’s economy,” he said.
