The Nigerian Navy has transferred 125 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after personnel of Naval Base EPE intercepted the consignment during an anti-smuggling operation in Lagos State.
This reinforces ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade and protect the nation’s economy.
Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base EPE for the formal handover of the seized items.
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The Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho in a statement said that acting on credible human intelligence, personnel of Naval Base EPE intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY-168YC laden with 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Lagos State through illegal border routes.
Folorunsho said that “in line with extant regulations and established inter-agency collaboration procedures, the seized items were formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and necessary action.”
According to him, the handover was conducted on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, represented by the Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.
He noted that the successful interception and subsequent handover underscore the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at combating smuggling, protecting the nation’s economy, and strengthening internal security through effective inter-agency cooperation.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment.
