Uche Cecil Izuora
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 conducted by personnel of Naval Base EPE in Lagos State.
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 5 May 2026 for the formal handover of the seized items.
Acting on credible human intelligence on 29 April 2026 at 0300hours, personnel of Naval Base EPE intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY-168YC laden with 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Lagos State through illegal border routes.
In line with extant regulations and established inter-agency collaboration procedures, the seized items were formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and necessary action.
The handover was conducted on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, represented by the Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.
The successful interception and subsequent handover underscore the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at combating smuggling, protecting the nation’s economy, and strengthening internal security through effective inter-agency cooperation.
The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment.