The Nigerian Navy on Thursday handed over 423 bags of foreign rice seized from smugglers and 11 victims of child trafficking to the respective authorities concerned in Badagry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the authorities are Nigeria Customs Service and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
The Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Federal Operating Base, Badagry, Navy Captain Leye Omotayo, made this known when handing over the seized item and rescued victims.
Omotayo, represented by the Base Executive Officer (BEO), Cdr Shuaibu Yakubu, said that the Base had recorded several operational successes in recent weeks.
He said that personnel of the Base intercepted a total of 423 bags of foreign parboiled rice between June 22 and July 14.
“These seizures occurred during a series of targeted, intelligence-driven operations across key locations including Badagry Market Waterside, Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Erekiti axis, Point of No Return, T-Junction, Isalu and Tongeji creek.
This reflects the Base’s sustained commitment to curbing transnational crimes within its Area of Operations,” the commander said.
Omotayo said that in line with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and in keeping with extant regulations, the entire consignment of 423 bags of rice had been formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 364 bags of foreign rice were handed over to SC N. Dauda of the Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs while 59 bags were handed over to DSC Umar Abubakar of Seme Area Command.
Also, the FOB commander said that in its continued effort to combat human trafficking, the Base rescued 11 suspected victims of human trafficking in three separate incidents between June 27 June and July 9, 2025.
“The victims included three 15-year-old girls rescued at Owode border, a I9-year-old girl intercepted en-route to Benin Republic while seven teenagers were discovered onboard a passenger boat en-route Porto Novo, some of whom were suspected recruiters.
“The victims, mostly from Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States, were reportedly being trafficked to Mali, Cotonou and Ghana respectively under false pretenses.
“However, all individuals have been handed over to National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and to facilitate reunification with their families,” he said.
Omotayo also said that the Base recorded notable successes in curbing the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with the interception of 16,895 litres during targeted operations carried out between May 29 May and July 9.
“These operations took place at Bollington, Idale-Badagry, Owode-Apa, Ijolin, Ashipa, and Badagry Market Waterside.
All seized petroleum was destroyed to deter future smuggling attempts,” he said.
Omotayo said that these efforts were in furtherance of the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as outlined in CNS Strategic Directive 06-2023.
“This underscores the Nigerian Navy’s critical role in securing Nigeria’s maritime environment and border areas, countering economic sabotage, and promoting inter-agency cooperation to bolster national security.
FOB Badagry remains steadfast in its mandate, operating with professionalism and dedication, while continuing to build strong ties with host communities, sister services, and other security agencies.
This is in the fight against transnational crimes and other threats to the Nation’s economic security,” he said.
