Navy Intercepts 1,306 Bags of Smuggled Foreign Rice in Ikorodu During Operation AWATSE Patrol, Hands Over Seizure to Customs in Lagos
The Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE has intercepted 1,306 bags of foreign parboiled rice being smuggled into the country.
Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Nimmyel, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Apapa, Lagos.
According to Nimmyel, who also serves as the Maritime Component Commander, South-West Operation AWATSE, the seizure occurred on Saturday at the Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area.
He explained that the bags were intercepted during routine security and anti-smuggling patrols. “The vehicles suspected to be conveying the smuggled rice attempted to evade a checkpoint, prompting a swift response from the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team,” he said.
Nimmyel praised the professionalism of the team, noting that the operation was conducted without any casualties.
He added that the successful interception underscores the unit’s ongoing commitment to support statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within their jurisdiction.
The seized rice has since been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, in accordance with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution.
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