Navy intercepts 126 bags of ‘smuggled rice’, arrests six suspects in Lagos
The suspects and three fiber boats carrying the smuggled rice were intercepted on Friday around 8 p.m. at Akere creek.
By Idris Temidayo
The Nigerian Navy’s forward operating base (FOB) in Akarakumo, Badagry, Lagos, has handed over six suspected smugglers and 126 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
NAN reports that Linus Osuman, commanding officer of FOB Badagry, said that the suspects and three fiber boats carrying the smuggled rice were intercepted on Friday around 8 p.m. at Akere creek.
Osuman noted that the interception followed an intelligence report about the movement of smuggled rice to Akere community.
“Upon receiving this information, the base promptly deployed its quick response team to the location,” he said.
“As a result, 126 bags of foreign rice were seized, and six suspects were apprehended. Nearby communities were also searched, but no additional contraband or suspects were found.”
The FOB commanding officer added that the suspects and confiscated items were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service at Semé command for further investigation and legal action.
Osuman highlighted the base’s commitment to maintaining security along the waterways, supported by intelligence gathering and ongoing patrols under operation water guard.
“Smuggling negatively impacts the nation’s economy by reducing revenue and undermining local production,” he said.
“Additionally, proceeds from such illegal activities often fund criminal operations. The FOB Badagry’s actions align with the chief of naval staff, vice-admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s strategic directive 2023-6, which emphasises ensuring a secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.”
He affirmed that the Nigerian Navy would continue collaborating with the NCS and other relevant agencies to safeguard legitimate trade and security in maritime areas.
Imam Shehu, the officer in charge of enforcement at the Semé area command for NSC, commended the Navy for its efforts in maintaining safety on the waterways.
Shehu noted that the partnership between the two agencies remains strong and would persist to combat smuggling and other illegal activities.
He added that the six suspects would face prosecution, while the confiscated rice would be condemned by a court of law and subsequently auctioned to the public.
