The Nigerian Navy has reported that it seized more than 1,300 bags of foreign parboiled rice during an operation in the Majidun area of Ikorodu West Local Government, Lagos State. This was in a statement issued by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer for the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft.
The statement reads: The maritime component of Operation AWATSE, under the leadership of the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, who doubles as the maritime component commander of South-West Operation AWATSE, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, intercepted 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Majidun Community in the Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Commodore Paul Nimmyel, while briefing the newsmen, 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. He stated that some vehicles suspected of being involved in smuggling activities attempted to evade security at the 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 operation by the Maritime Component of 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 the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to assist statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within its area of operations.
The 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, today, Wednesday, 16 April 2025, in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution.
Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim
Base Information Officer
Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT
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