Navy Hands Over 125 Bags of Smuggled Rice to Customs in Lagos
The Nigerian Navy has handed over 125 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following a successful interception by its personnel in Lagos State.
The seizure was made by operatives of Naval Base Epe, who acted on credible intelligence to intercept a Peugeot J5 van loaded with the contraband in the early hours of April 29, 2026.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the vehicle, with registration number EKY-168YC, was apprehended at about 3:00 a.m. while conveying 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into the state through illegal border routes.
Read Also:
Folorunsho said the items were formally handed over to officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, who visited the Naval Base on May 5, 2026, to take custody of the seized goods.
The Customs team was led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh.
The handover was carried out on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, represented by the Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.
The Navy said the action was in line with existing inter-agency collaboration procedures and relevant regulations guiding the handling of seized items.
It added that the interception and subsequent transfer of the smuggled goods underscore its commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at curbing smuggling, safeguarding the economy, and enhancing internal security.
“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment,” the statement said.
By PRNigeria
