Nigerian Navy disrupts cross-boarder smuggling, intercepts 364 smuggled bags of rice

The Forward Operating Base, FOB, BADAGRY of the Nigerian Navy have intercepted 364 bags of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into the country via maritime boarders.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Folorunsho said that the seizures followed a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by personnel of the FOB within its Area of Operations

He also said that the operation highlighted the navy’s sustained efforts to combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes along Nigeria’s maritime borders and safeguarding national economic interests.

According to him, the seized consignment, comprising 302 good bags and 62 damaged bags, was formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command on Tuesday at FOB BADAGRY Jetty.

“The handover was done in accordance with extant regulations and established procedures.”

He added that the successful interception and subsequent handover underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between government agencies in countering smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality._

He reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining effective maritime security and supporting relevant agencies in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters, borders and economic interests.

He also urged members of the public and maritime stakeholders to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and disrupting criminal activities within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
NAN