The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry of Nigerian Navy, Lagos on Tuesday handed over 287 bags of foreign parboiled rice to Nigeria Customs Service.
Navy Capt. Oyeleye Omotayo, the Commanding Officer, FOB, Nigerian Navy, said the bags of rice were seized by the operatives in different operations along Badagry Port Novo waterways.
Omotayo was represented at the handing over by Lt Cdr. Bamidele Afolabi, the Base Operations Officer (BOO) and Cdr. S Yakubu, the Base Executive Officer (XO).
The CO said this was in a continued effort to ensuring maritime security along Badagry – Porto Novo creek and the adjoining land areas in the backwaters.
“The FOB, BADAGRY has intensified its operation, significantly disrupting the smuggling of foreign parboiled rice into the country.
“In separate operations on March 4, 8 and 19, the Base Quick Response Team (QRT) was able to seize and confiscate a total number of 287 bags of foreign parboiled rice within its assigned area of operation.
“This is in consonance with NN Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Base handed over 71 x 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice to Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command.
“Equally a total of 216 x 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice was also handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service Western Marine Command in line with extent regulation,” he said.
The CO noted that these sustained efforts of FOB Badagry forms part of the operational trust drawn from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s Strategic Directive 06-2023.
“This is to secure in Nigeria’s maritime domain among others secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and the wider maritime area of interest for economic activities to thrive.
“Accordingly, the Base remains resolute in combating smuggling and other economic vices perpetuated by sponsors and collaborators of illegal activities within the area of operation.
“The Base also remains committed to strengthening the collaboration between sister agencies and host communities,” he said.
Responding after receiving the rice, Mr A Adamu, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Seme Area Command of NCS said the handing over was encouraged more synergy between the two agencies.
Also, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Mr Benjamin Lumba, the spokesman for Western Marine Command said the synergy would keep smugglers out of job.
He commended the naval operatives for a laudable jobs.