In a significant crackdown on smuggling activities, the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE, led by Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, intercepted 1,306 bags of foreign parboiled rice in Majidun, Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The interception occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2025, during routine security and anti-smuggling operations. According to Lieutenant Husaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer, the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team (QRT) pursued vehicles attempting to evade a security checkpoint, leading to the successful seizure of the contraband.
Commodore Nimmyel highlighted that the operation was executed with professionalism and restraint, resulting in no casualties. The confiscated rice was handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution.
This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to curbing smuggling activities and supporting statutory agencies in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
