The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry of the Nigerian Navy has intercepted 13,800 litres of petrol and 71 bags of foreign rice in multiple operations along Badagry creeks.

The Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, in a statement on Sunday in Badagry, Lagos State, confirmed that the seizures occurred between March 7 and 14.

He said naval operatives acted on intelligence received about suspected smugglers operating in the area, leading to the interception of the items during separate operations.

“In continuation of the fight against smuggling within our Area of Operation in Badagry, a target operation was launched on Friday, March 14, at 2:54 a.m.,” Mr Omotayo said

 He added that the operation focused on intercepting smugglers and confiscating products intended for illegal export.

He said,  “The smugglers initially evaded our water patrol, but were intercepted by our land patrol unit around 3:30 a.m. During the operation, 71 bags of foreign rice were found being smuggled. The items were seized, while the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol at 4:22 a.m.’’

 He noted that the seized rice has been taken to the base for further necessary action in accordance with procedures.

 He said that on the same day, the intelligence team received a report at 12:15 a.m. about petrol being stockpiled at a beach near Bollington in Badagry creeks.

The intelligence indicated that the products were to be smuggled by wooden boats through Nigeria’s territorial waters into Benin Republic.

 “Our team swiftly responded to the intelligence and moved to the location. Upon arrival, four vehicles intended for smuggling were found at the shoreline, but the suspects escaped with their keys,” he said

While searching the area, 234 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 5,850 litres of petrol, were discovered and taken to the base.

He further disclosed that 7,770 litres of petrol were also seized in other operations conducted in Badagry communities.

“On March 7, 6,770 litres of petrol in 30 and 40-litre jerry cans were seized at a filling station, along with 188 empty jerry cans. On March 8, 40 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 1,000 litres of petrol, were seized at Farasime community, based on intelligence from Tongeji Island,” he said

He noted that the 7,950 litres of petrol seized from two filling stations and Tongeji Island on March 7 and 8, respectively, were handled lawfully.

“This was to prevent the illegal products from re-entering circulation within our operational area,” he said.

Mr Omotayo stated that the navy was increasing efforts to combat smuggling and criminal activities along the Badagry-Porto Novo creeks.

He noted, “In line with the Federal Government’s directive and Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla’s Strategic Directive 2023-06, FOB Badagry has intensified operations, achieving multiple successes.’’

 He warned perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.

He assured sister agencies, particularly the Nigeria Customs Service, of the navy’s continued cooperation, as well as support for the host community.

(NAN)