The Nigerian Navy has made another significant seizure in its ongoing battle against smuggling within the nation's coastal waters. Personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT have officially handed over a large consignment of intercepted foreign rice to the Nigeria Customs Service.
Interception Based on Credible Intelligence
The operation took place on August 31, 2025. Acting on a tip-off, the NNS BEECROFT Patrol Team stationed at the Liverpool area in Apapa, Lagos, swung into action. Their vigilance led to the interception of two wooden boats that were heavily laden with contraband.
The boats were found to be carrying a total of 58 bags of suspected smuggled foreign parboiled rice. However, the individuals operating the boats chose to abandon their cargo and flee immediately upon sighting the approaching naval patrol team, evading arrest.
Formal Handover to Customs Authorities
The seized rice was subsequently transferred to the officials of the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for further investigation and necessary action. The handover ceremony was conducted by the Executive Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Captain Idongesit Udoessien.
Captain Udoessien was representing the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel. The contraband was formally received by Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Kehinde Alade Saliman, of the Western Marine Command, NCS, Apapa.
Navy Reiterates Commitment to Secure Waters
During the handover, the Navy's spokesperson emphasized that this operation is a clear demonstration of the concerted efforts under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral ldi Abbas. The core objective is to curtail all forms of illegal maritime activities, with a sharp focus on smuggling and other crimes that threaten Nigeria's economic interests.
The Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in its collaboration with sister security agencies like the Customs, to safeguard the country's maritime domain. This security is crucial for legitimate socio-economic activities to thrive without hindrance.
Captain Udoessien also commended the professionalism and alertness displayed by the NNS BEECROFT personnel involved in the operation. Furthermore, he made a strong appeal to the general public, urging citizens to actively support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence. Such cooperation is vital to enhancing overall security and safety across Lagos State and the nation's territorial waters.
