The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry, Lagos State, on Wednesday handed over two suspected smugglers to the Police.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB, Navy Captain Bitebobo Amakiri, said the suspects were arrested on Monday at 2.00.p.m by his Quick Response Team (QRT).
According to him, the team, while on routine patrol within the Base Area of Responsibility, intercepted two vehicles laden with unspecified number of foreign parboiled rice at Ajido Badagry.
“During the course of arrest, the suspects attempted to escape and damaged their vehicle in the process.
“Subsequently, two suspects and a blue and ash coloured Toyota Avalon car were arrested and taken into Base custody.
“The QRT raided the general area, likewise, the adjoining communities were also searched, but no other products or suspects were found.
“The products were suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic by the perpetrators,” he said.
Amakiri said the two suspected smugglers and the blue coloured Toyota Avalon vehicle were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Badagry Division, for further investigation.
“In line with the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla’s mission, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mustapha Bala Hassan on Nov. 9, 2023 launched Operation Water Guard.
“This Operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal elements the Freedom of Action within Western Naval Command Area of Operations, in order to ensure security and economic stability in the region while fulfilling the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional responsibilities.
“Accordingly, these sustained efforts of Forward Operating Base, Badagry are all geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea,” he said. (NAN)
