The Nigerian Navy has handed over 125 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following a successful anti-smuggling operation by personnel of Naval Base Epe in Lagos State.
Officials of the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, received the seized items during a formal handover ceremony at Naval Base Epe on May 5, 2026.
In statement Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain A.A. Folorunsho said the seizure followed a targeted operation carried out on April 29, 2026, after personnel acted on credible intelligence regarding smuggling activities within the area. At about 3:00 a.m., naval operatives intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY-168YC conveying 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Lagos through illegal border routes.
The Navy stated that the confiscated items were transferred to the Nigeria Customs Service in line with existing regulations and inter-agency cooperation protocols 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 said the operation reflects its sustained commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at curbing smuggling, safeguarding the economy, and enhancing internal security through effective collaboration with relevant agencies.
It added that the Navy remains determined to sustain operations against illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral domains.
