The Forward Operating Base, FOB, of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry, Lagos State, has handed over six suspected smugglers and 126 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

The Commanding Officer of FOB, Linus Osuman, who handed over the suspects and the seized bags of rice on Thursday, said they were intercepted on December 27 with three fibre boats at the Akere Creek in Badagry.

He said that the command acted on an intelligence report about some bags of rice being smuggled into the community.

He added that upon receiving the information, the base promptly deployed its quick response team to the location.

The Commanding Officer stressed that upon reaching the scene, they seized 126 bags of foreign rice and arrested six suspects.

According to him, nearby communities were also searched, but no additional contraband or suspects were found.

Osuman said the suspects and confiscated items were handed over to the Seme Command of the NCS for further investigation and legal action.

He further stated that the navy, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, would ensure that the country’s waterways are free from smuggling activities.

“As we all know, smuggling is detrimental to the nation’s economy, and it leads to loss of revenue and harms local production capabilities.

“These sustained efforts of the FOB Badagry demonstrate its unwavering commitment to maritime security within its area of operations,” the FOB commander said.

Nigerian Navy hands over six suspects, 126 smuggled bags of rice to customs in Lagos