Nigerian Navy Disrupts Cross-Border Smuggling, Hands Over 364 Bags of Foreign Rice to Customs

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on cross-border smuggling, following the interception of 364 bags of foreign parboiled rice by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY.

The seizure was made during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by the naval personnel within the base’s Area of Operations as part of efforts to combat smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality along Nigeria’s maritime borders.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Abiodun F. Folorunsho, the seized consignment comprised 302 good bags and 62 damaged bags of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into the country.

The consignment was formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, on August 18, 2026, at the FOB BADAGRY Jetty, in accordance with established regulations and procedures.

The Navy said the interception underscored its continued contribution to securing Nigeria’s maritime borders and protecting the country’s economic interests.

It also highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between the Navy and other government agencies in tackling smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining effective maritime security and supporting relevant government agencies in protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters, borders and economic interests.

The Navy further urged members of the public and maritime stakeholders to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing and disrupting criminal activities within Nigeria’s maritime environment.