The Nigerian Naval Base in the Epe area of Lagos State has intercepted a major smuggling operation along the Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway.
The Executive Officer of the Naval Base, Commander Chukwudi Atuba, made this known in a statement sent to Punch Metro on Monday.
He stated that the operation took place on January 22 based on intelligence reports indicating the movement of illicit goods while the patrol team swiftly acted, successfully thwarting the smuggling attempt.
According to him, six vehicles laden with smuggled foreign rice were intercepted during the operation while the suspects fled in the process.
“In executing our statutory responsibilities, the Naval Base Epe intercepted six vehicles laden with smuggled foreign rice. On sighting our team, the suspects abandoned their vehicles and fled into the bush, leaving behind the contraband,” he stated.
He stated that the contraband, comprising 213 bags of foreign rice, was officially handed over to the Nigerian Customs Service for further action.
Atuba further disclosed that the official handover of the smuggled goods was conducted by Navy Lieutenant AS Bello, who transferred custody of the 213 bags of foreign rice to Deputy Comptroller Odoemenah, representing Comptroller Olajide of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja.
Atuba, however, issued a stern warning to smugglers and criminal elements, urging them to desist from their illicit activities.
