In executing our statutory responsibilities, the Naval Base Epe intercepted six vehicles laden with smuggled foreign rice
Along the Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, members of the Nigerian Navy captured over two hundred bags of foreign rice while also thwarting a smuggling ring that was operating in the state of Lagos. According to a statement that was released on Saturday, the illegal goods, which included 213 bags of rice from other countries, were officially handed over to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for further action.
During a briefing for the media, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy, Chukwudi Chukwugozie Atuba, provided specifics on the operation. He stated that the suspects abandoned their vehicles and fled into the bush when they saw our crew. They left the contraband behind that they had abandoned.
“In executing our statutory responsibilities, the Naval Base Epe intercepted six vehicles laden with smuggled foreign rice. On sighting our team, the suspects abandoned their vehicles and fled into the bush, leaving behind the contraband.”
In order to encourage smugglers and other criminal elements to stop engaging in illegal activities, Commander Atuba issued a strong warning to them.
“The Nigerian Navy, in line with the mission and vision of Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogala, remains resolute and determined to rid the environment of all illegalities.”
As the Navy continues to maintain its vigilance, he further cautioned that criminal elements should avoid the Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, the Epe area, and the adjacent environs.
The intelligence reports that indicated the transportation of illegal commodities served as the basis for the interception that took place on January 22, 2025.
Atuba said, “The patrol team swiftly acted, successfully thwarting the smuggling attempt.
“Smugglers should understand that these activities will not benefit them. The Nigerian Navy is determined to rid the maritime environment and other areas under its jurisdiction of illegality
Naval Lieutenant AS Bello was the one who carried out the official handover of the smuggled goods. He was the one who transferred custody of the 213 bags of foreign rice to Deputy Comptroller Odoemenah. Odoemenah was acting on behalf of Comptroller Olajide of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja.