The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Nigerian Navy, Badagry on Thursday handed over 423 bags of foreign rice seized from smugglers and 11 victims of child trafficking to Nigeria Customs Service and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The Commanding Officer, FOB, Navy Captain Leye Omotayo, said the command had recorded several operational successes in recent weeks.
Omotayo, who was represented the Base Executive Officer (BEO) Cdr Shuaibu Yakubu said the operations is in line with the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing operations to suppress smuggling and other transnational crimes within its Area of Operations.
Omotayo said they had intercepted a total of 423 bags of foreign parboiled rice between June 22 and July 14.
“These seizures occurred during a series of targeted, intelligence-driven operations across key locations including Badagry Market Waterside, Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Erekiti axis, Point of No Return, T-Junction, Isalu and Tongeji creck.
“This reflects the Base’s sustained commitment to curbing
transnational crimes within its Area of Operations,” he said.
He said in line with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and in keeping with extant regulations, the entire consignment of 423 bags of rice had been formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 364 bags of foreign rice were handed over to SC N. Dauda from Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs while 59 bags were handed over to DSC Umar Abubakar of Seme Area Command.
Also, he said in its continued effort to combat human trafficking, the Base rescued 11 suspected victims of human trafficking in three separate incidents between June 27 June and July 9, 2025.
“The victims included three 15-year-old girls rescued at Owode Border, a I9-year-old girl intercepted en-route to Benin Republic while seven teenagers found onboard a passenger boat en-route Porto Novo, some of whom were suspected recruiters.
“The victims, mostly from Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States, were reportedly being trafficked to Mali, Cotonou and Ghana respectively under false pretenses.
“However, all individuals have been handed over to National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP )for further investigation and to facilitate réunification with their families,” he said.
In another development, Omotayo said the Base recorded notable successes in curbing the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with the interception of 16,895 litres during targeted operations carried out between May 29 May and July 9.
“These operations took place at Bollington, Idale-Badagry, Owvode-Apa, Ijolin, Ashikpa, and Badagry Market Waterside.
“All seized petroleum was destroyed to deter future smuggling attempts,” he said.
Omotayo noted that these efforts are in furtherance of the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as outlined in CNS Strategic Directive 06-2023.
“This underscores the Nigerian Navy’s critical role in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and border areas, countering economic sabotage, and promoting inter-agency cooperation to bolster national security.
“FOB Badagry remains steadfast in its mandate, operating with professionalism and dedication, while continuing to build strong ties with host communities, sister
services, and other security agencies.
“This is in the fight against transnational crimes and other threats to the Nation’s economic security,” he said.
