The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT recently intercepted a large wooden boat carrying over 150 bags of foreign parboiled rice within the Lagos Anchorage. The seized rice was subsequently handed over to the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in a bid to curb illegal importation and support local agricultural initiatives.
Commander NNS BEECROFT and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, announced this development during a press briefing in Lagos on Monday.
Nigeria Customs Service Western Marine Command PRO
He detailed how the bags of rice were apprehended in the early hours of November 25th through the collaborative efforts of the Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment, and the Base Quick Response Team as part of Operation Water Guard.
Commodore Oguntuga emphasized that adhering to established protocols, the seized rice was transported to the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and officially handed over to Nigeria Customs Service officials for necessary actions.
Highlighting the significance of intercepting contraband, particularly foreign rice imports, Commodore Oguntuga stressed its positive impact on local farmers’ efforts to enhance revenue generation.
He stated, “The Navy’s actions will undoubtedly aid local farmers in combating poverty and food insecurity, fostering economic prosperity in the country.”
Assuring continued vigilance, the Commander pledged the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to enforcing customs laws and supporting government policies aimed at empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.
Oguntuga concluded by affirming that such interceptions showcased the Nigerian Navy’s steadfast dedication under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, in curbing illegal activities within the nation’s maritime domain.
Again Navy Intercepts 150 Bags Of Smuggled Rice, Hands Over To Customs
Byconduit
Nov 27, 2023