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The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry of the Nigerian Navy has made significant strides in its fight against smuggling, seizing a total of 13,800 litres of petrol and 71 bags of foreign rice in a series of targeted operations along the Badagry creeks.
The operations, which took place between March 7 and 14, were disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo. Acting on actionable intelligence, naval operatives successfully intercepted the contraband in multiple raids.
“In continuation of the fight against smuggling within our Area of Operation in Badagry, a target operation was launched on Friday, March 14, at 2:54 am,” Omotayo stated. The operation aimed to intercept smugglers and confiscate products intended for illegal export.
“The smugglers initially evaded our water patrol but were intercepted by our land patrol unit around 3:30 am. During the operation, 71 bags of foreign rice were found being smuggled. The items were seized, while the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol at 4:22 am,” he added.
The seized rice has been transported to the base for further investigation and necessary action.
In a separate operation on the same day, intelligence operatives alerted the Navy at 12:15 am about a stockpile of petrol near Bollington Beach in the Badagry creeks. The petrol, allegedly meant for smuggling into the Benin Republic via wooden boats, was promptly confiscated.
Naval operatives discovered “234 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totaling about 5,850 litres of petrol,” which were moved to the base. Additionally, “7,770 litres of petrol” were seized in other operations conducted across Badagry communities.
Omotayo also confirmed that “7,950 litres of petrol” confiscated from two filling stations and Tongeji Island on March 7 and 8 had already been handled in accordance with legal procedures.
These operations underscore the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to curbing illegal activities in the region, safeguarding the nation’s resources, and maintaining security along its territorial waters.