The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 1,306 bags of foreign parboiled rice allegedly smuggled into the country through Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Commodore Paul Nimmyel, Commander of NNS BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE (South-West), disclosed this while briefing journalists on Wednesday in Apapa.
According to him, the rice was seized during a routine security and anti-smuggling operation conducted on Saturday.
“The Operation AWATSE team, while conducting routine patrols within their Area of Operations, intercepted the bags being smuggled,” Nimmyel said.
He added that the vehicles suspected of conveying the smuggled goods had tried to evade a security checkpoint, prompting a swift pursuit by the Quick Response Team (QRT).
“The operation was conducted with commendable professionalism and restraint, and no casualties were recorded,” he noted.
Nimmyel emphasized that the successful interception underscores the continued commitment of the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to support government agencies in curbing smuggling.
He also confirmed that the seized rice had been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa.
“This handover is in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution,” he said.
(NAN)