The Nigerian Navy’s forward operating base (FOB) in Badagry, Lagos, says it has handed over six suspected smugglers and 126 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Linus Osuman, the commanding officer of FOB, who handed over the suspects and the seized bags of rice on Thursday, said they were intercepted on December 27 with three fibre boats at the Akere creek in Badagry.
Osuman added that the command acted on an intelligence report about some bags of rice being smuggled into the Akere community.
Upon receiving this information, the base promptly deployed its quick response team to the location. As a result, 126 bags of foreign rice were seized, and six suspects were apprehended. Nearby communities were also searched, but no additional contraband or suspects were found,” he stated.
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The suspects and confiscated items were handed over to the Semé command of the NSC for further investigation and legal action.
He added that the navy, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, would ensure that the country’s waterways are free from smuggling activities.
“As we all know, smuggling is detrimental to the nation’s economy, and it leads to loss of revenue and harms local production capabilities,” he added.
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“These sustained efforts of the FOB Badagry demonstrate its unwavering commitment to maritime security within its area of operations,” the FOB commander said.
“These efforts are all geared towards complying with the chief of naval staff, vice-admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s strategic directive 2023-6, which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”
Imam Shehu, the NCS officer in charge of enforcement at the Semé area command, said the suspects would be charged in court while the seized goods would be auctioned to the public.
Shehu commended the navy for their effort towards protecting the country’s waterways, noting that the two agencies would ensure continued collaboration.
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