The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has seized 109 bags of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria from the Benin Republic.

Acting on an intelligence tip-off, the patrol team conducted a cordon-and-search operation around the Kposuko community along the Badagry creeks on Monday, January 6, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m. The smuggled rice was discovered in two fiber boats near Harmony Jetty, though the suspects fled upon sighting the naval team.

In line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016, the seized items were officially handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Captain Linus Osuman, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, emphasized that the operation is part of the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a secure maritime environment as outlined in the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s mission.

The operation also supports the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 and the ongoing OP WATER GUARD initiative to counter smuggling and promote Nigeria’s economic stability.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Jude Ohagwu, Officer in Charge of Operations, Seme Command, received the items for further investigation and legal actions.