In alignment with the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing mandate to combat smuggling, trafficking, and other transnational crimes, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry intensified patrols and enforcement operations between Friday, 18 July, and Wednesday, 20 August 2025. These operations covered key areas including the Badagry–Porto Novo Creek, Tongeji axis, Akoro Beach, Owode-Apa, Gbaji, Iyafin, and adjoining waterways.
According to a statement by the Commanding Officer, Navy Captain B.O. Omotayo, the intensified efforts yielded significant successes, including the interception of smuggled goods, narcotics, and the rescue of human trafficking victims.
Between 29 July and 2 August 2025, coordinated patrols along the Tongeji Creek, Moba Waterside, and Badagry–Porto Novo Creek led to the seizure of 823 bags of foreign parboiled rice. The rice, concealed in boats and covert channels for distribution across border communities, was linked to a major smuggling syndicate disrupted by the Navy.
Within the same period, anti-smuggling operations resulted in the confiscation of approximately 13,965 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at locations including Owode-Apa, Ashikpa, and Akoro Beach. Intelligence reports indicated the products were bound for illegal export into the Benin Republic. In accordance with regulations, the contaminated fuel was destroyed to prevent re-entry into the domestic market.
From 23 July to 8 August 2025, the Base recorded major success in counter-human trafficking operations along the Badagry–Porto Novo River. Eight victims were rescued, and two traffickers apprehended, including one Mr. Godwin Benard Ifeanyi, a key figure in the trafficking network. The victims, lured with false promises of employment abroad, were intended for forced labour and exploitation. They have since been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and family reunification.
Further, on 25 July 2025, acting on credible intelligence, naval personnel raided a suspected drug storage facility in the Jegeme area. The operation resulted in the recovery of 50 wraps of cannabis sativa prepared for distribution, effectively disrupting a local drug network.
In compliance with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and extant regulations, on 21 August 2025, the seized 823 bags of rice were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, while the 50 wraps of cannabis were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command, for further action.
These operations reflect the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as outlined in CNS Strategic Directive 06–2023, which prioritizes maritime border security, inter-agency collaboration, and the disruption of economic and transnational crimes.
FOB Badagry remains steadfast in its commitment to national security, working in synergy with local communities and sister agencies to curb illicit activities along Nigeria’s western maritime corridor.
Navy Seizes Goods Worth Millions In Month-Long Anti-Trafficking Sweep
