The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday recorded another decisive strike against cross-border smuggling as it formally handed over 250 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service, reinforcing its support for economic security enforcement.
The handover was carried out by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry following a series of targeted anti-smuggling operations along Nigeria’s coastal and border corridors.
The seized items comprised 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilograms, intercepted during routine and intelligence-driven patrols aimed at disrupting illicit trade routes.
In line with established naval Standard Operating Procedures, the items were transferred to the Nigeria Customs Service’s Western Marine Command for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
Naval authorities said the operation underscores the service’s commitment to supporting civil authorities in combating smuggling and other transnational economic crimes that undermine local production and national revenue.
Since assuming office, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, has consistently pushed a vision of a modern, agile and professional navy working seamlessly with sister agencies to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.
That strategic direction, officials noted, has translated into sustained operational pressure on smugglers, particularly in flashpoint areas such as Badagry and its adjoining waterways.
The FOB Badagry command said its ongoing operations are focused on curbing economic sabotage, denying criminal networks safe passage, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated that it remains resolute in protecting Nigeria’s maritime and border areas as part of broader national security and economic stability objectives.
The handover was signed off by Navy Captain Omotayo, Commanding Officer of Nigerian Navy FOB Badagry, marking another milestone in the Navy–Customs partnership against smuggling.