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The Forward Operating Base, FOB, Badagry of the Nigerian Navy has confiscated no fewer than 13,800 litres of petrol and at least 71 bags of foreign rice in multiple operations along Badagry creeks.
This was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo.
Omotayo, who confirmed that the seizures occurred between March 7 and 14, said naval operatives acted on intelligence received about suspected smugglers operating in the area, leading to the interception of the items during separate operations.
“In continuation of the fight against smuggling within our Area of Operation in Badagry, a target operation was launched on Friday, March 14, at 2:54 am,” Omotayo said.
According to him, the operation focused on intercepting smugglers and confiscating products intended for illegal export.
“The smugglers initially evaded our water patrol, but were intercepted by our land patrol unit around 3:30 am.
“During the operation, 71 bags of foreign rice were found being smuggled. The items were seized, while the suspects fled upon sighting our patrol at 4:22 am,” he added.
The Commanding Officer noted that the seized rice has been taken to the base for further necessary action in accordance with procedures.
He said that on the same day, the intelligence team received a report at 12:15 am about petrol being stockpiled at a beach near Bollington in Badagry creeks.
Omotayo further stated that intelligence indicated that the products were to be smuggled by wooden boats through Nigeria’s territorial waters into Benin Republic.
While searching the area, 234 jerry cans of 25 litres each, totalling about 5,850 litres of petrol, were discovered and taken to the base.
He further disclosed that 7,770 litres of petrol were also seized in other operations conducted in Badagry communities.
He confirmed that the 7,950 litres of petrol seized from two filling stations and Tongeji Island on March 7 and 8, respectively, were handled lawfully.
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