The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 823 bags of smuggled foreign rice, 50 wraps of marijuana and rescued eight victims of human trafficking in Badagry, Lagos State.

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

Mr Omotayo, represented at the event by the base executive officer (BEO), Cdr. Shuaibu Yakubu, said that the interception of the contraband items and rescue of the victims took place between July 18 and Aug. 20.

“In line with the Nigerian Navy’s sustained mandate to curb smuggling, trafficking, and other cross-border crimes within its Area of Operations (AOO), the base intensified patrols and enforcement activities with remarkable success.

“During this period, the Base conducted a series of targeted operations across Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Tongeji axis, Akoro Beach, Owode-Apa, Gbaji, Iyafin, and adjoining waterways.

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

“Between July 29 and Aug 2, the Base carried out coordinated patrols along Tongeji Creek, Moba Waterside, and Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, which resulted in the seizure of 823 bags of foreign parboiled rice.

“The bags, concealed in boats and other covert channels for onward distribution into Badagry and nearby communities, were part of a major smuggling network disrupted by the Nigerian Navy along the Nigeria-Benin maritime corridor,” he said.

Mr Omotayo said the base anti-smuggling operations within the same timeframe led to the confiscation of about 13,965 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as petrol.

“These seizures were recorded at Owode-Apa, Ashikpa, Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Akoro Beach, and Tongeji axis.

“Intelligence revealed that the consignments were intended for illegal movement into Benin Republic.

“The entire contaminated PMS was subsequently destroyed to avoid recirculation into the local market in line with extant regulation,” he said.

The CO also said that between July 23 and Aug. 8, the Base recorded significant success in countering human trafficking along the Badagry-Porto Novo River.

“In the course of these operations, eight victims were rescued while two traffickers were arrested.

“Investigations revealed that the victims were being deceived with promises of better opportunities in neighbouring countries, with the intent of exploiting them for forced labour and prostitution.

“Notably, Mr Godwin Ifeanyi, a prime facilitator of the syndicate, was arrested and has since been charged to court.

“All rescued victims were profiled and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and the reunification with their families,” he said.

Mr Omotayo further said that on July 25, acting on credible intelligence, naval personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected drug storage facility at Jegeme axis.

“The operation led to the recovery of 50 wraps of cannabis sativa, carefully concealed for onward distribution.

“The swift action not only disrupted the illicit drug supply chain but also reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s determination to prevent criminal elements from exploiting border communities as transit points for narcotics trafficking.

“Today, in line with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and in keeping with extant regulations, the entire consignment of 823 bags of rice has been formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command.

“Also, 50 wraps of suspected cannabis sativa were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Area Command, for further administrative action.

“These sustained efforts underscore the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as articulated in the CNS Strategic Directive 06-2023.

“The directive emphasises the NN’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders, countering economic sabotage, combating transnational crimes, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to enhance national security.

“FOB remains committed to executing its mandate with professionalism, diligence, and resolve, while working closely with host communities and sister security agencies in the collective fight against smuggling, trafficking, and other maritime crimes,” he said.

Receiving the exhibit, Emmanuel Ogbogoh, deputy commander of narcotics, Seme Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) promised that an investigation would begin on the seized items.

Mr Ogbogoh commended the Nigerian Navy for the seizures, assuring them that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.

Also, receiving the smuggled bags of foreign rice, deputy comptroller of customs in enforcement, A .O Egunjobi, Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, commended the Nigerian Navy for ensuring safety and security on the waterways.

(NAN)