“Navy Delivers Smuggled Rice, Drugs To NDLEA, Customs In Coordinated Crackdown”

According to iReporter Online, the Nigerian Navy has successfully intercepted 823 bags of smuggled foreign rice, seized 50 wraps of marijuana, and rescued eight victims of human trafficking in Badagry, Lagos State.

Navy Capt. Leye Omotayo, the Commanding Officer of the Federal Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry, disclosed this during a handing-over ceremony to various federal agencies at the base on Thursday.

Represented by the base executive officer, Commander Shuaibu Yakubu, Capt. Omotayo revealed that these operations occurred between July 18 and August 20.

According to iReporter Online, the Navy intensified patrols and enforcement activities within its Area of Operations, targeting locations including Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Tongeji axis, Akoro Beach, and adjoining waterways.

These efforts led to the interception of petroleum products, foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, and the rescue of human trafficking victims.

Between July 29 and August 2, coordinated patrols along Tongeji Creek and other waterways resulted in the seizure of 823 bags of foreign parboiled rice concealed in boats for illicit distribution along the Nigeria-Benin maritime corridor, according to iReporter Online.

Capt. Omotayo further stated that about 13,965 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were confiscated during the same period and destroyed to prevent illegal circulation.

He also confirmed the rescue of eight trafficking victims and arrest of two traffickers, with prime facilitator Godwin Ifeanyi charged to court. The rescued individuals were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for care and family reunification.

On July 25, naval personnel raided a suspected drug storage facility at Jegeme axis, recovering 50 wraps of cannabis sativa intended for distribution.

The seized rice and drugs were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively, for further action.

The operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding maritime borders and combating smuggling and trafficking, in line with the Chief of Naval Staff’s strategic directives.

Receiving the exhibits, NDLEA deputy commander Emmanuel Ogbogoh assured thorough investigations, while Customs deputy comptroller A.O. Egunjobi commended the Navy for enhancing security on the waterways.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”