The navy said the interception was executed professionally, with no casualties recorded during the operation.
The Nigerian Navy has announced the interception of no fewer than 1,306 bags of foreign parboiled rice in Majidun Community, Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The seizure was made by the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE, under the leadership of Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, who also commands the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT and the Maritime Component Commander of South-West Operation AWATSE.
According to a press release signed by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT and obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday, Commodore Nimmyel disclosed that the interception was made on Saturday, 12 April 2025, during routine security and anti-smuggling operations carried out by the Operation AWATSE team within its area of jurisdiction.
“Some vehicles suspected to be involved in smuggling activities attempted to evade security at its checkpoint, 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 statement read.
The navy said the interception was executed professionally, with no casualties recorded during the operation.
“The operation by the Maritime Component of the Operation AWATSE was conducted with commendable professionalism and restraint as no casualties were recorded,” Commodore Nimmyel said.
He added that the Quick Response Team’s swift action and the eventual seizure of the smuggled goods showed the navy’s determination to support civil authorities in stemming the tide of illicit trade and economic sabotage.
“The timely response of the QRT and successful interception of the consignment have demonstrated the continued commitment of the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to assist statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within its Area of Operations,” he said.
In line with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution, the confiscated items were officially handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to tighten control over the country’s maritime corridors and prevent the influx of banned or smuggled goods, especially foreign rice, which has continued to undermine local production.
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