The Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service have intensified efforts to combat smuggling activities along the nation’s waterways, leading to the interception of four boats loaded with 518 bags of suspected smuggled parboiled rice in the Badagry axis of Lagos State.
The operation, conducted on July 31, involved personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (NNSBS).
According to the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence received from the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command.
He explained that the intercepted boats were apprehended at a Customs checkpoint along the Badagry waterways during a coordinated operation aimed at disrupting smuggling networks operating within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
The commander disclosed that members of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service were deployed by helicopter to reinforce Customs personnel already stationed at the checkpoint.
Adams-Aliu said the successful operation highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling economic crimes and strengthening national security.
He noted that smuggling activities continue to pose significant challenges to government revenue generation, border security and economic stability, making collaborative enforcement efforts necessary.
The naval commander further revealed that the operation was supported by the Western Regional Control Centre, known as FALCON EYE, a maritime surveillance system designed to enhance monitoring and intelligence gathering within Nigeria’s coastal waters.
According to him, the interception demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s growing capacity to deploy technology-driven solutions in combating criminal activities across the maritime domain.
He said the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to strengthen maritime security through advanced surveillance systems and intelligence-led operations.
Adams-Aliu also reiterated the commitment of the Navy to sustaining partnerships with Customs and other security agencies in preventing Nigeria’s waterways from being used as transit routes for smuggling and other criminal activities.
He assured that NNS BEECROFT would continue to intensify patrols, intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests and support economic development.
The seized rice is expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary legal procedures.
