The Nigerian Navy, operating from its Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry, conducted multiple operations in the Badagry creeks between March 7th and 14th, resulting in the interception of 13,800 liters of petrol and 71 bags of foreign rice.
Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, the Commanding Officer, released a statement on Sunday detailing the seizures.
According to his statement, the interception of the items during separate operations was a direct result of naval operatives acting upon intelligence concerning suspected smuggling activities within the area.
“In continuation of the fight against smuggling within our Area of Operation in Badagry, a target operation was launched on Friday, March 14, at 2:54 am,” Omotayo said.
According to him, the operation centered on preventing illegal exports by intercepting smugglers and confiscating their contraband.
“The smugglers managed to bypass our water patrol initially, but our land patrol unit successfully intercepted them in a subsequent operation around 3:30 am,
“During the operation, 71 bags of foreign rice were found being smuggled. The items were seized, while the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol at 4:22 am,” he said.
The seized rice, he noted, was transported to the base for further procedural action.
Continuing, he reported that on the same day, at 12:15 am, intelligence teams received information concerning the stockpiling of petrol at a beach near Bollington in the Badagry creeks.
The intelligence indicated that the products were to be smuggled by wooden boats through Nigeria’s territorial waters into Benin Republic.
“Our team swiftly responded to the intelligence and moved to the location.
“Upon arrival, four vehicles intended for smuggling were found at the shoreline, but the suspects escaped with their keys,” he said
While searching the area, 234 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 5,850 litres of petrol, were discovered and taken to the base.
He further disclosed that 7,770 litres of petrol were also seized in other operations conducted in Badagry communities.
“On March 7, 6,770 litres of petrol in 30 and 40-litre jerry cans were seized at a filling station, along with 188 empty jerry cans.
“On March 8, 40 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 1,000 litres of petrol, were seized at Farasime community, based on intelligence from Tongeji Island,” he said.
He confirmed that the 7,950 litres of petrol seized from two filling stations and Tongeji Island on March 7 and 8, respectively, were handled lawfully.
“This was to prevent the illegal products from re-entering circulation within our operational area,” he said.
Omotayo affirmed that the Navy is increasing efforts to combat smuggling and criminal activities along the Badagry-Porto Novo creeks.
“In line with the Federal Government’s directive and Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla’s Strategic Directive 2023-06, FOB Badagry has intensified operations, achieving multiple successes,” he said.
He warned all perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors of illegal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
Navy Captain Omotayo emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to collaborative efforts with sister agencies, most notably the Nigeria Customs Service.
He pledged continued cooperation, highlighting the importance of joint operations in combating smuggling and other maritime crimes.
Furthermore, he assured the host community of the Navy’s steadfast support in ensuring their safety and security.