By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Nigeria Customs and Nigeria Navy |
The Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Lagos, on Tuesday night allegedly disrupted Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos anti-smuggling operation in Badagry waterways.
A reliable source told newsmen in Badagry that there was a tense confrontation between the two security agencies on the waterways near Tongeji waterways.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Oct.15, when a naval patrol team, having just completed a successful interception of several boats laden with bags of suspected smuggled rice at the Tongeji axis, was en route back to base.
"However, tension rose when Customs patrol boats reportedly blocked the returning naval team, firing sporadic shots into the air and disrupting safe passage.
"The scene was chaotic. The customs boats just moved in aggressively and started making noise, firing shots, and blocking the Navy personnel.
'It was clear they wanted to embarrass them," a local fisherman said under condition of anonymity.
However, in what appeared to a coordinated effort, a mini protest allegedly involving Customs operatives and some civilian collaborators reportedly took place later around the Badagry market area.
"Some women who alleged that their rice were seized by Nigerian Navy went to register their grievances at Akran of Badagry palace attacked a DSS operative at the palace taking him for an informant.
"He was beaten and his wrist watch and phone were damaged at the scene.
"The protester later moved to the Navy out -location at agbalata market to stage their protest again," said the source.
While details remain sketchy, sources indicate that the protest was short-lived and was professionally contained by naval personnel without escalation.
Despite the provocation, the naval team was reported to have maintained a calm and disciplined posture throughout the ordeal, managing the situation with maturity and preventing further breakdown of order.
As of the time of reporting, normalcy has returned to the area.
The Base, according to insiders, continues its operations undeterred, with a strong commitment to maintaining maritime security and curbing smuggling activities across the Badagry axis.
FOB Badagry also remain committed to fostering good relationship and collaboration with security agencies ,all relevant security related agencies including the host communities along the Badagry Porto Novo Creek belt.
Meanwhile, all efforts to get reactions from two agencies were futile as at the time of filing this report.