The Nigerian Navy has handed over 125 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following a successful anti-smuggling operation carried out by personnel of Naval Base Epe in Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base Epe on May 5, 2026, for the formal handover of the seized items.
According to the statement, naval personnel acting on credible intelligence intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY-168YC at about 3:00 a.m. on April 29, 2026. The vehicle was reportedly conveying 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Lagos through illegal border routes.
The Navy said the interception was part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and other economic crimes within the country’s maritime and littoral environment.
The seized rice was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service in line with existing regulations and inter-agency collaboration procedures for further investigation and necessary action.
The handover was conducted on behalf of the Commander of Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, by the Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.
The Nigerian Navy noted that the operation highlights its continued commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at combating smuggling, protecting the economy, and strengthening internal security through effective collaboration with relevant agencies.
The Navy also reaffirmed its resolve to sustain operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
