Nigerian Navy hands over seized smuggled rice to Customs

Crime Diary

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Navy has formally handed over 125 bags of foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following a successful anti‑smuggling operation conducted by personnel of Naval Base Epe in Lagos State.

Acting on credible intelligence, naval operatives intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY‑168YC on 29 April 2026, laden with the smuggled rice suspected to have entered Lagos through illegal border routes.

A statement issued by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, noted that officials of the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base Epe, on 5 May 2026, for the formal handover of the seized items. The exercise was conducted on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, represented by Acting Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.

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In line with established inter‑agency collaboration procedures, the seized goods were transferred to Customs for further investigation and necessary action.

The Navy emphasized that the successful interception and handover underline its continued commitment to combating smuggling, protecting Nigeria’s economy, and strengthening internal security through effective cooperation with sister agencies.

“The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment,” the statement added.