Navy Intercepts 423 Bags Of Rice, 16,895 Litres Of Fuel, Rescues Human Trafficking Victims In Badagry
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Badagry, has recorded major operational successes in its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes within its Area of Operations.
According to a statement signed by Navy Captain B.O. Omotayo, Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, the Base intercepted a total of 423 bags of foreign parboiled rice during intelligence-driven operations conducted between June 22 and July 14, 2025. The seizures occurred at key smuggling routes including Badagry Market Waterside, Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Erekiti axis, Point of No Return, T-Junction, Isalu, and Tongeji Creek.
In a separate series of anti-smuggling operations conducted between May 29 and July 9, 2025, the Base also intercepted 16,895 litres of illegally transported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across locations such as Bollington, Idale-Badagry, Owode-Apa, Ijofin, Ashikpa, and again at Badagry Market Waterside. The seized fuel was subsequently destroyed as a deterrent to future smuggling activities.
In line with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and existing inter-agency protocols, the Base formally handed over the 423 bags of rice to the Nigeria Customs Service. Specifically, 364 bags were transferred to Superintendent of Customs I.N. Dauda of the Western Marine Command, while 59 bags were handed to Deputy Superintendent of Customs A.U. Abubakar of the Seme Area Command for further administrative processing.
The Base also made significant strides in its anti-human trafficking efforts, rescuing 11 suspected victims of human trafficking in three separate incidents between June 27 and July 9, 2025. Among the victims were three 15-year-old girls rescued at Owode Border, a 19-year-old girl intercepted en route to the Republic of Benin, and seven teenagers found onboard a passenger boat heading to Porto Novo—some of whom were suspected to be recruiters.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims, mostly from Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States, were being trafficked to destinations including Mali, Cotonou, and Ghana under false pretenses. All rescued individuals have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and family reunification.
These achievements, the Navy said, are in line with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as outlined in CNS Strategic Directive 06–2023. The directive emphasizes the Nigerian Navy’s pivotal role in securing the maritime environment, safeguarding national economic assets, and fostering inter-agency cooperation.
FOB Badagry reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and community partnership in the fight against transnational crime and economic sabotage.
