Navy hands over 1,306 bags of seized foreign rice to Customs

The Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE under the leadership of the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel has intercepted and handed over 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Commodore Paul Nimmyel who doubles as the Maritime Component Commander, South-West Operation AWATSE, while briefing newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday said the smuggled rice were intercepted at Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos state.

He disclosed that the seizure was made on Saturday 12 April 2025, by Operation AWATSE Team while conducting routine security and anti-smuggling operations within their Area of Operations.

Commodore Nimmyel said some vehicles suspected to be involved in smuggling activities attempted to evade security at its check point, which necessitated a swift pursuit by the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team (QRT) in accordance with the Joint Task Force’s Standard Operating Procedures.

“The operation by the Maritime Component of the Operation AWATSE was conducted with commendable professionalism and restraint as no casualties were recorded.

“The timely response of the QRT and successful interception of the consignment have demonstrated the continued commitment of Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to assist statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within its Area of Operations, ” Commodore Nimmyel said in a statement issued by the Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim.

He said the seized rice was handed over to Customs in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution.