The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry of Nigerian Navy, Lagos on Friday handed over 93x 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice to Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service.
A senior officer from the Base conducted the exercise in Badagry
He said the bags of rice were seized by the operatives on around Porto Novo Creek and Tongeji Creek, acting on an intelligence tip-off conducted a targeted operation.
‘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.
According to him, during the patrol, a total of 93x 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice were discovered to have been smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic.
“The smuggled bags of rice were immediately seized and moved to the location in preparation for handing over,” he said.
He said the rice would be handed over to Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service.
“This is in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016 and the Chiel of Naval Staff directive,” he said.
Responding after receiving the rice, Mr A.O. Egunjobi, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Seme Area Command of NCS said the handing over would encouraged more synergy between the two agencies.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for ensuring safety and security on the waterways.
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