1,306 Bags Of Illegally Imported Rice Confiscated By Nigerian Navy

The Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE has seized 1,306 bags of foreign rice that were being smuggled into the country.

The NNS BEECROFT Commander, Commodore Paul Nimmyel, said this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Apapa, Lagos State.

Nimmyel, who is the Maritime Component Commander, South-West Operation AWATSE, said that the rice was intercepted on Saturday at Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area.

“Operation AWATSE team, while conducting routine security and anti-smuggling operations within their Area of Operations, intercepted the bags being smuggled.

“The vehicles suspected to be involved in the smuggling activities attempted to evade security at its checkpoint, which necessitated a swift pursuit by the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team.

“The operation was conducted with commendable professionalism and restraint, as no casualties were recorded,” the commodore said.

Nimmyel said that the successful interception of the consignment has demonstrated the continued commitment of the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE.

”This is aimed at assisting statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within our Area of Operations.”

He said that the smuggled parboiled rice had been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa.

Nimmyel said that this was in line with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution

NAN