The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a large cache of illegal goods in Lagos, seizing 13,800 liters of petrol and 71 bags of foreign rice in multiple operations along Badagry creeks.
The interceptions were carried out between March 7 and March 14 by operatives from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry, with the latest operation launched on March 14 at approximately 2:54 a.m. according to Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry.
Omotayo revealed that the operations were part of a sustained effort to curb smuggling activities within the Navy’s Area of Operation in Badagry.
Acting on critical intelligence about suspected smugglers in the region, the Navy launched a series of coordinated operations to capture the goods before they could be exported illegally.
“We launched a focused operation on Friday, March 14, based on actionable intelligence. The smugglers were initially able to evade our water patrol, but our land patrol unit intercepted them around 3:30 a.m.,” Captain Omotayo said.
During the operation, operatives found 71 bags of foreign rice, which were being illegally transported through the region.
The suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the naval patrol, but the goods were successfully seized and taken to the FOB Badagry base for further processing.
In a separate development on the same day, a team of Navy operatives responded swiftly to a report at 12:15 a.m. regarding the storage of petrol near the Bollington beach in Badagry creeks.
The fuel, according to intelligence, was intended for illegal export across Nigeria’s territorial waters into the Benin Republic via wooden boats.
Upon reaching the location, the Navy discovered four vehicles, presumably intended for smuggling purposes, on the shoreline. However, the suspects had already fled, leaving behind their vehicles and keys.
“These seizures are part of the Navy’s ongoing commitment to tackling illegal smuggling activities that undermine national security and economic growth,” Omotayo said.
“The intelligence-driven operations are aimed at ensuring that goods meant for illegal export do not leave our shores, especially in key areas like Badagry.”
The Nigerian Navy has promised to continue its vigilant patrols and operations in the region, targeting smuggling rings and ensuring that those involved in illicit trade face the full consequences of the law.
Both the seized petrol and rice are being processed for further action, with the Navy reaffirming its determination to maintain a strong presence in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters.
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