Navy Hands Over Seized Smuggled Rice, Cannabis to Customs, NDLEA, Rescues Trafficking Victims
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 823 bags of smuggled foreign rice, 50 wraps of cannabis sativa, and rescued eight victims of human trafficking during operations in Badagry, Lagos State.
The Commanding Officer of the Federal Operating Base (FOB) Badagry, Navy Capt. Leye Omotayo, disclosed this on Thursday while handing over the seized items and rescued victims to relevant federal agencies. Omotayo, who was represented by the Base Executive Officer, Cdr. Shuaibu Yakubu, said the operations were conducted between July 18 and August 20.
According to him, the operations were part of the Nigerian Navy’s sustained mandate to curb smuggling, trafficking, and other cross-border crimes. Targeted patrols were carried out across Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Tongeji axis, Akoro Beach, Owode-Apa, Gbaji, Iyafin, and adjoining waterways.
“These operations led to the interception of petroleum products, foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, and the rescue of victims of human trafficking,” Omotayo said.
Between July 29 and August 2, coordinated patrols along Tongeji Creek, Moba Waterside, and Badagry-Porto Novo Creek led to the seizure of 823 bags of rice concealed in boats and other covert channels for distribution in Badagry and neighbouring communities.
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In the same period, about 13,965 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, were confiscated at Owode-Apa, Ashikpa, Akoro Beach, Tongeji axis, and Badagry-Porto Novo Creek. Intelligence reports indicated the fuel was bound for illegal export to Benin Republic. The seized PMS was destroyed in line with regulations to prevent it from re-entering the local market.
On counter-trafficking efforts, Omotayo revealed that eight victims of human trafficking were rescued and two traffickers arrested between July 23 and August 8. One of the suspects, identified as Mr. Godwin Ifeanyi, was said to be a key facilitator of the syndicate and has since been charged to court. The rescued victims were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and family reunification.
He further disclosed that a targeted raid on a suspected drug storage facility at Jegeme axis on July 25 led to the recovery of 50 wraps of cannabis sativa, intended for distribution within border communities.
“In line with standard procedures, the 823 bags of rice have been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, while the cannabis was transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Special Command, for further action,” Omotayo stated.
He added that the operations reflect the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as outlined in the CNS Strategic Directive 06-2023, which emphasises safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders, countering economic sabotage, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration to enhance national security.
Receiving the exhibits, Deputy Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA Seme Special Command, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbogoh, commended the Navy for its efforts and assured that investigations would be carried out to ensure offenders face justice.
Also, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in Enforcement, Seme Area Command, Mr. A.O. Egunjobi, praised the Navy for its dedication to ensuring security on the nation’s waterways.
By PRNigeria
