By: Manoah kikekon
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| Navy handing over seized items to Customs |
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry has handed over 97 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice and 191 parcels of cannabis sativa to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a bid to curb smuggling and illicit drug trafficking.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Navy Captain Busuyi Omotayo, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, stated that the seizures were part of ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security within Nigeria’s territorial waters, backwaters, and adjacent land areas.
Represented by Commander Shuaibu Yakubu, the Executive Officer of the Base, Omotayo disclosed that the Base had intensified operations, leading to significant seizures between April 23 and May 14, 2024.
Key Seizures Include, 97 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (intercepted by the Base Quick Response Team). 191 wraps of cannabis sativa (weighing 114.6kg, seized in Gbanko, Gbetrome, and Ashipa). 307 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 7,675 litres (confiscated at Simtop Jetty, Tosuvi, Ashikpa, and Panshi).
In compliance with Nigerian Navy protocols, the seized items were transferred to the appropriate authorities: 97 bags of rice were handed over to the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service. 191 parcels of cannabis sativa were transferred to the NDLEA Seme Special Area Command for further investigation. The seized petrol was destroyed to prevent illegal circulation.
Omotayo emphasized that these operations align with the Chief of Naval Staff’s Strategic Directive 06-2023, aimed at securing Nigeria’s maritime domain for national security and economic prosperity.
Mr. Ogbogoh Emmanuel, Assistant Commander of Narcotics at NDLEA Seme Command, assured that investigations would commence immediately, vowing to prosecute those involved. He praised the Navy for its relentless efforts in combating drug trafficking.
Similarly, SC Sunday Okopi, Assistant Spokesperson for the NCS Western Marine Command, lauded the Navy for its collaboration in ensuring waterway security, reaffirming the strong synergy between both agencies.
FOB Badagry remains committed to its mandate, working closely with security agencies and host communities to eliminate smuggling and other illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime sector.