The Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry handed over seized contraband items to the Nigeria Customs Service and the Civil Defence Corps on Wednesday.

A correspondent observed the handover, which was conducted by a senior naval officer at the Base in Badagry.

The base transferred 420 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Customs Service Seme Area Command and another 55 bags to the Western Marine Command.

It also handed over 75 jerrycans of 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit to the Civil Defence Corps in Badagry.

Navy Capt. Leye Omotayo, the base’s commanding officer, said all the items were seized during intelligence-led operations carried out in recent weeks.

Represented by Cdr Shuaib Yakubu, he said the base remained committed to ensuring a safe and lawful maritime corridor.

He said the operations were conducted in line with federal directives to curb smuggling and other economic crimes in the maritime and border areas.

Mr Omotayo added that the activities complied with harmonised procedures on arrests and handovers, as well as inter-agency cooperation rules.

He pledged continued patrols and surveillance to deter smuggling and other maritime offences within the base’s jurisdiction.

Mr Omotayo said the base would uphold professionalism and inter-agency collaboration in support of the naval chief’s strategic vision.

Responding, Assistant Comptroller Ibrahim Shehu of Seme Area Command commended the navy for the handover and for its role in maritime security.

He said the cooperation would strengthen synergy between security agencies in safeguarding national interests.

(NAN)