The Forward Operating Base of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos on Thursday handed over 1,109 bags of foreign rice and 121 parcels of cannabis sativa to Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA in Badagry.
Speaking shortly before the handing over, Navy Capt. Oyeleye Omotayo, Commanding Officer, FOB, Badagry, said the Nigerian Navy is stepping up fighting against smuggling and other criminal activities along the Badagry-Porto Novo creeks.
“In line with the Federal Government’s directives and Vice-Adm Emmanuel Ogalla the Chief of the Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-06, the FOB Badagry has intensified operations, leading to multiple successful crackdowns.
“In a series of raids, naval operatives intercepted illicit drugs in Nov. 2024.
“More recently, on Feb 6, a swift operation resulted in the seizure of 33 bags of smuggled foreign rice at Akere Creek in Badagry.
“In Ajara Town and Bollinton, the navy foiled smuggling attempts involving petroleum products, confiscating 3,375 litres of petroleum.
“The seized 3,375 litres of petrol were destroyed at the other side of Base premises.
“Also, on Feb. 8, a Quick Response Team (QRT) rescued nine suspected victims of human trafficking, underscoring the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating trafficking networks in the region,” he said
The Commanding Officer said the momentum continued that same day, as a targeted operation in Isalu and Yafin communities led to the seizure of 1,109 bags of foreign parboiled rice and fiber boats equipped with outboard engines.
“The smuggled goods, believed to have originated from the Benin Republic, were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service.
“This is in compliance with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.
‘Additionally, four bags containing 121 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa were turned over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.
“It is pertinent to state that the NN has zero tolerance for illegalities, noting that the Base is well equipped, highly motivated and adequately poised to tackle this menace,” he said.
Omotayo warned all perpetuators, collaborators and sponsors of illegalities to desist from these acts or face the full force of the law.
Receiving the suspected smugglers and bags of foreign rice, Imam Shehu, an assistant comptroller, in charge of enforcement, at Semé Area Command, commended the navy for ensuring safety on the waterways.
Shehu said that NCS and the navy had a strong tight synergy, adding that the collaboration between the two agencies would continue.
He said the development would further strengthen the cordial relationship that existed between Nigerian Navy, Customs and other sister agencies.
According to him, the seizure has sent a signal to smugglers that when agencies of government come together, there is no hiding place for smugglers.
Receiving the exhibit on behalf of Mr Owen Dinneys, the Commander of the Narcotics, Area Commander, Seme Special Command of NDLEA, Mr H Ayatu, promised that an investigation would commence on the seized items.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for the seizures, assuring them that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officials of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Nigerian Army and Department of State Security (DSS) were in attendance.
