The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, who also serves as the Maritime Component Commander, South-West, Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, yesterday handed over 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice to the Nigerian Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa.
The consignments were intercepted by the Operation AWATSE team on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Council of Lagos State.
Commodore Nimmyel told newsmen that the handover was in line with the harmonised standard procedures on arrest, detention, and prosecution.
He explained that some vehicles suspected to be involved in smuggling activities had attempted to evade security at a checkpoint, prompting a swift pursuit by the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team (QRT), in accordance with the Joint Task Force’s Standard Operating Procedures.
“The operation by the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE was conducted with commendable professionalism and restraint, as no casualties were recorded.”
“The timely response of the QRT and the successful interception of the consignment demonstrate the continued commitment of the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to assist statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within its Area of Operations,” he added.
