The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos on Tuesday handed over 364 bags of seized foreign rice to Nigeria Customs Service in Badagry.
The Commanding Officer, FOB, Navy Capt. SM Kabir disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said that in line with the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to curb smuggling, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes within its Area of Operations (AOO), the FOB BADAGRY had continued to record notable operational successes.
“Through a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted along Kese Creek, Soko Creek and adjoining waterways, the Base intercepted several consignments of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
“These operations underscore the Base’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting national economic security,” he said.
The Commanding Officer said that during the operations, FOB BADAGRY intercepted and confiscated a total of 364 bags of foreign parboiled rice.
“In accordance with extant regulations and Nigerian Navy Standard Operating Procedures, the seized items were formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command on Tuesday, Aug.18.
“The consignment comprised 302 good bags and 62 damaged bags totalling 364 bags of foreign parboiled rice.
“The handing-over ceremony took place at the FOB BADAGRY Jetty at about 1.00.p.m and was conducted in a hitch-free manner.
“The successful interception and handing over of the seized items further highlight the effectiveness of existing inter-agency cooperation in combating trans-border crimes,” he said.
He said the FOB BADAGRY remains committed to maintaining an aggressive operational posture against criminal elements operating within its AOO.
The Commanding Officer said the Base would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime environment.
He, however, urged the public to provide credible information that would support ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities within the maritime domain.
