By Dansu Peter The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry has officially handed over 1,142 bags of seized foreign ric...
By Dansu Peter
Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, confirmed the development during the handover ceremony on Thursday, stating that the navy had intensified operations to curb smuggling and other criminal activities along the Badagry-Porto Novo axis.
He revealed that the latest seizures stemmed from a series of coordinated raids targeting illicit trade routes in Iyafin, Ajara, and other surrounding communities.
"The navy's heightened surveillance and strategic interventions have resulted in multiple successful crackdowns, aligning with the Federal Government’s directives to combat smuggling,” Omotayo said.
According to him, recent operations led to the interception of 33 bags of smuggled rice at Akere Creek, while another raid in Ajara town and Bollinton resulted in the confiscation of 3,375 liters of petroleum products, which were subsequently destroyed at the naval base.
Further emphasizing the navy’s commitment to tackling illegal trade, Omotayo stated that a targeted operation on February 8 in Isalu and Iyafin communities led to the seizure of 1,109 bags of foreign parboiled rice, along with fiber boats fitted with outboard engines used for smuggling.
Additionally, four bags containing 121 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa were recovered and handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
This operation reinforces the navy's zero-tolerance policy for illegalities. The Forward Operating Base remains highly equipped, motivated, and committed to eradicating smuggling and related crimes,” Omotayo warned, adding that perpetrators and their sponsors would face prosecution.
Receiving the confiscated goods, Assistant Comptroller Imam Shehu of the NCS Semé Area Command commended the navy's efforts in securing the nation's waterways. He reaffirmed the agency's strong collaboration with the navy and other security outfits, stressing that the synergy would continue to disrupt smuggling operations.
Similarly, Mr. H. Ayatu, who received the seized cannabis on behalf of NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Owen Dinneys, lauded the navy's swift action and assured that thorough investigations would be conducted to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
The latest crackdown sends a clear message to smugglers and criminal networks operating in the region that joint security efforts leave no room for illicit trade.
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