Navy seizes 414 bags of foreign rice, 57 parcels of cannabis in Badagry

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy have intercepted 414 bags of foreign rice and 57 parcels of suspected cannabis in separate operations conducted around the Badagry waterways in Lagos state.

The seizures were made by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Badagry, during targeted operations based on intelligence on suspected smuggling and illicit drug activities within the area.

The Commanding Officer of the Base, Navy Capt. S.M. Kabir, stated this during the formal handover of the intercepted rice to officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Marine Command, at the naval base in Badagry.

Represented by the Base Operations Officer (BOO),  Lt. Cdr. E.O. Kabir said 414 bags of foreign rice were recovered on Saturday, August 29, following actionable intelligence about suspected smuggling activities along the waterways.

He said naval personnel intercepted three boats at separate locations during the operation.

He added that one of the boats was stopped at Apa Creek, while the other two were intercepted in the vicinity of the Point of No Return.

The occupants reportedly abandoned the boats and escaped after noticing the presence of the naval personnel.

Kabir said the operation underscored the Navy’s continued efforts to prevent the use of Nigeria’s waterways for smuggling and other activities capable of undermining the nation’s economy.

He commended the NCS Marine Command for its cooperation with the Navy and called on residents of Badagry to continue with legitimate economic activities while providing security agencies with useful information about suspicious movements within the waterways.

The Navy also recorded another seizure during an intelligence-led operation carried out Tuesday around Ashipa Beach.