The Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE, South West, led by Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, has intercepted 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos state.
According to a press release by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim the Base Information Officer of NNS BEECROFT on 16th April, 2025 , the seizure was made on Saturday, April 12, 2025, during routine security and anti-smuggling operations.
Commodore Nimmyel, during a press briefing said the vehicles suspected to be involved in smuggling activities attempted to evade security at a checkpoint, prompting a swift pursuit by the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team (QRT).Operation was conducted with professionalism and restraint, resulting in no casualties.
He said the successful interception demonstrates the commitment of the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to curbing smuggling activities within its Area of Operations.
He also disclosed that as at Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the seized rice has been handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution.
“ The Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE under the leadership of the Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, who doubles as the Maritime Component Commander, South-West Operation AWATSE, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel intercepted 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos state.
“ Commodore Paul Nimmyel while briefing the newsmen disclosed that the seizure was made on Saturday 12 April 2025, by Operation AWATSE Team while conducting routine security and anti-smuggling operations within their Area of Operations. He stated that some vehicles suspected to be involved in smuggling activities attempted to evade security at its check point, which necessitated 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 the Operation AWATSE was conducted with commendable professionalism and restraint as no casualties were recorded. The timely response of the QRT and successful interception of the consignment have demonstrated the continued commitment of Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to assist statutory agencies in curbing smuggling activities within its Area of Operations.
“The arrested 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, today Wednesday 16 April 2025, in line with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution”.
