The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 364 bags of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria through the country’s maritime borders.
The seizure was made by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry during intelligence-led operations within the base’s area of responsibility.
The Navy said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes along Nigeria’s waterways.
364 Bags Seized in Anti-Smuggling Operation
The Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed the seizure in a statement made available in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the intercepted consignment consisted of 302 bags in good condition and 62 damaged bags.
The rice was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command.
The formal handover took place on Tuesday at the FOB Badagry Jetty in accordance with established regulations and procedures.
Navy Strengthens Maritime Security
According to Folorunsho, the operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led enforcement in tackling illegal activities along Nigeria’s maritime borders.
He said the Navy remained committed to protecting the country’s territorial waters and economic interests while supporting other government agencies involved in border security and enforcement.
The successful seizure and transfer of the rice to Customs also highlighted the importance of cooperation between security and revenue-generating agencies.
Public Asked to Provide Information
The Navy urged members of the public and maritime stakeholders to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in detecting and disrupting smuggling operations.
Folorunsho said sustained collaboration would be necessary to combat cross-border criminal activities and strengthen security within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
The Navy reaffirmed that it would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting Nigeria’s waterways, borders and economic interests.
