The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry of the Nigerian Navy has intercepted a massive haul of contraband, including 13,800 litres of petrol and 71 bags of foreign rice, in a series of coordinated operations along the Badagry creeks.
In a statement released on Sunday, Navy Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, confirmed that the seizures took place between March 7 and 14, following intelligence-led operations targeting smugglers operating in the region.
Omotayo disclosed that the navy intensified its crackdown on illicit trade, launching a targeted operation in the early hours of March 14.
“At about 2:54 a.m., our team embarked on a mission to intercept suspected smugglers attempting to transport illegal goods out of the country,” he said.
Despite initial efforts by the smugglers to evade the navy’s water patrol, the land patrol unit successfully intercepted them at 3:30 a.m.
By 4:22 a.m., the navy had seized 71 bags of foreign rice, though the suspects managed to escape upon spotting the patrol team.
The confiscated goods were later transported to the navy base for further action.
On the same day, the navy’s intelligence team received reports at around 12:15 a.m. regarding an illegal stockpile of petrol near Bollington in Badagry creeks.
Acting on this tip-off, naval operatives discovered 234 jerry cans, each containing 25 litres of petrol, amounting to 5,850 litres.
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The smugglers had allegedly planned to transport the fuel via wooden boats to the Benin Republic.
Further anti-smuggling operations within Badagry communities resulted in the confiscation of an additional 7,770 litres of petrol.
Omotayo also confirmed that petrol seized from two filling stations and Tongeji Island on March 7 and 8—totalling 7,950 litres—had been properly handled in accordance with naval protocols.
The Commanding Officer reaffirmed the navy’s determination to clamp down on smuggling activities along Nigeria’s waterways, emphasizing that operations would continue to ensure national security and economic stability.
“Our efforts remain relentless. We will not allow criminal elements to sabotage the economy through illegal exports,” Omotayo declared.
The Nigerian Navy has intensified surveillance and patrols in the Badagry area, warning smugglers that it will maintain a zero-tolerance stance against illicit trade.