By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has handed over 125 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service following a successful anti-smuggling operation conducted by personnel of Naval Base Epe in Lagos State.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base Epe on May 5, 2026, for the formal handover of the seized items.
The statement disclosed that acting on credible human intelligence in the early hours of April 29, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., personnel of Naval Base Epe intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY-168YC loaded with 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Lagos State through illegal border routes.
It noted that the interception formed part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to curb smuggling and other economic crimes within the nation’s maritime and littoral domains.
In line with extant regulations and established inter-agency collaboration procedures, the seized items were formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and necessary action.
The handover was carried out on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, and represented by the Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.
The Nigerian Navy emphasized that the successful interception and subsequent handover underscore its continued commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at combating smuggling, safeguarding the nation’s economy, and strengthening internal security through effective inter-agency cooperation.
The Service further reaffirmed its resolve to sustain operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
