The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy, Badagry Lagos, on Tuesday handed over 585 seized bags of foreign rice to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Badagry.
Navy Capt. Leye Omotayo, the Commanding Officer, FOB, said the seized items were intercepted during a series of targeted, intelligence-led operations conducted by personnel of the Base in recent weeks.
Omotayo, who was represented at the handing over, the represented by the Base Executive Officer, Cdt. Yusuf reaffirmed the Base’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure, lawful, and economically viable maritime domain.
According to CO, a total of number of 525 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice was handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command while 60 bags of the same commodity was given to NCS Western Marine Command.
“These successful interceptions form part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained efforts to enforce Federal Government directives against smuggling and other acts of economic sabotage within the nation’s maritime environment and adjoining land borders.
“These operations were carried out in strict compliance for Arrest and Handover, as well as extant regulations guiding inter-agency collaboration,” he said.
Omotayo further assured that FOB Badagry would continue to intensify surveillance and patrol activities across its Area of Operations to deter smugglers and other perpetrators of maritime and border-related crimes.
He reiterated that the Forward Operating Base remains resolutely committed to achieving the strategic and operational objectives of the Nigerian Navy, in line with the directives and vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas.
Omotayo said the Nigerian Navy, through FOB Badagry would continues to demonstrate professionalism, effective inter-agency synergy, and operational excellence in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and border environment.
He, therefore warned perpetrators of illegal activities to desist forthwith, as the Nigerian Navy would not relent in its commitment to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and economic lifelines.
