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The Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE has intercepted 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos state.
The Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, who doubles as the Maritime Component Commander, South-West Operation AWATSE, while briefing the newsmen on Wednesday, 16th April, 2025, disclosed that the seizure was made on Saturday 12 April 2025.
It was learnt that the interception was made by Operation AWATSE Team while conducting routine security and anti-smuggling operations within their Area of Operations.
He stated that some vehicles suspected to be involved in smuggling activities attempted to evade security at its check point, which necessitated a swift pursuit by the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team (QRT) in accordance with the Joint Task Force’s Standard Operating Procedures.
The operation by the Maritime Component of the Operation AWATSE was conducted with commendable professionalism and restraint as no casualties were recorded.
The timely response of the QRT and successful interception of the consignment have demonstrated the continued commitment of Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to assist statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within its Area of Operations.
Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT stated in a statement that the arrested 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, today, Wednesday 16th April 2025, in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution.
