The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has intensified its crackdown on smuggling and other illicit activities along the Badagry-Porto Novo creeks, aligning with the Federal Government’s directives and the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 2023-06.

In a series of operations, naval operatives intercepted illicit drugs in November 2024. More recently, on February 6, a swift operation at Akere Creek led to the seizure of 33 bags of smuggled foreign rice. Similarly, in Ajara Town and Bollinton, the Navy foiled smuggling attempts involving petroleum products, confiscating 3,375 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The operations extended further on February 8 when a Quick Response Team rescued nine suspected victims of human trafficking, reinforcing the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating trafficking networks in the region. That same day, a targeted operation in Isalu and Yafin communities resulted in the seizure of 1,109 bags of foreign parboiled rice and fiber boats fitted with outboard engines. The smuggled goods, suspected to have originated from the Benin Republic, were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016. Additionally, four bags containing 121 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on illegal activities, warning perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors to desist or face legal consequences. FOB Badagry also emphasized its strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies and other law enforcement bodies to sustain the fight against smuggling and related crimes.