Nigerian Navy Hands Over Seized Smuggled Rice to Customs in Lagos

The Nigerian Navy has handed over 125 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following a successful anti-smuggling operation by personnel of Naval Base Epe in Lagos State.

In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the handover took place on May 5, 2026, when officials of the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base Epe to take custody of the items.

The statement revealed that the seizure was made in the early hours of April 29, 2026, following credible human intelligence. Naval personnel 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 through illegal border routes.

According to the Navy, the operation forms part of its sustained efforts to combat smuggling and other economic crimes within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral domains.

In line with established inter-agency collaboration procedures, the seized rice was formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and necessary action.

The handover was conducted 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 noted that the successful interception and subsequent transfer of the seized goods highlight its commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at curbing smuggling, protecting the nation’s economy, and enhancing internal security through strengthened inter-agency cooperation.

The Service also reaffirmed its resolve to sustain ongoing operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime environment.