The navy has intercepted 364 bags of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria through the country’s maritime borders.
The seizure was made by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Badagry, during an intelligence-led operation within its area of responsibility.
The consignment comprised 302 bags in good condition and 62 damaged bags, according to the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho disclosed that the seized rice was handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
He said the handover was conducted at the FOB Badagry Jetty in line with existing regulations and established procedures.
He added that the interception and subsequent handover involved collaboration with other government agencies responsible for maritime and border enforcement.
The navy said the operation was part of its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes along Nigeria’s maritime borders.
Meanwhile, the navy has inducted a new security support vessel, SSV KALI 3, in Delta State to strengthen maritime security operations and protect critical offshore assets.
The vessel was inducted at Asemoku Jetty, Delta State, on Tuesday.
Read also:
- Navy, NIMASA Seal 5-Year Deal To Tighten Grip on Nigeria’s Maritime Security
- NAOWA President Wins Women Leadership Award
- Navy Rescues 3 Passengers From Suspected Sea Robbery Attack In Akwa Ibom
KALI 3 is the first of 10 security support vessels being provided to the navy by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited under a memorandum of agreement between the company and the navy.
The vessel is designed to support coastal and offshore security operations, including interdiction, anti-piracy activities, maritime law enforcement and escort duties.
According to the navy, KALI 3 was designed and built locally at the Okpai HM Shipyard in Delta State in collaboration with the service.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical energy infrastructure was crucial to sustaining economic activities, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
“The protection of Nigeria’s maritime environment and critical energy assets is essential to sustaining economic activity, particularly the oil and gas sector,” Abbas said.
The chief of naval staff urged stakeholders in the maritime sector to support initiatives aimed at strengthening security across Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The navy said KALI 3 was specifically suited to Nigeria’s coastal and shallow-water environment and would enhance the service’s capacity to conduct maritime law enforcement operations and protect critical energy infrastructure.
