The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos on Tuesday handed over 250 bags of smuggled foreign rice to Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Badagry.
Navy Captain 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 by Lt. Cdr. Hassan Modu, said that this was in furtherance of the Nigerian Navy’s mandate to support civil authorities in combating smuggling and other cross-border economic crimes.
“The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY has formally handed over a total of 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following several targeted anti-smuggling operations.
“Since assuming office, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has consistently emphasised a vision of building a modern, agile, and professional naval force dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
“It is also advancing national security in collaboration with other security agencies,” he said.
Omotayo said that in alignment with this vision, the sustained operational efforts of the NN FOB Badagry are focused on securing Nigeria’s maritime and border areas.
The Commanding Officer said it also includes curbing economic sabotage, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to ensure a safe and secure nation.
The 250 bags of foreign rice were handed over to DSC I Tajudeen, the Second in Command, Western Marine Customs, Badagry Base.
