The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry has recorded major successes in its ongoing operations against smuggling, fuel diversion, and human trafficking along Nigeria’s coastal and border communities.
During a series of intelligence-driven operations, the base intercepted a total of 423 bags of foreign parboiled rice at strategic locations including the Badagry Market Waterside, Badagry–Porto Novo Creek, Erekiti axis, Point of No Return, T-Junction, Isalu, and Tongeji Creek.
Speaking on behalf of the Commanding Officer, Base Executive Officer, Commander S. Yakubu, confirmed that 364 bags were handed over to Superintendent of Customs I.N. Dauda of the Western Marine Command, while 59 bags were transferred to Deputy Superintendent of Customs A.U. Abubakar of the Seme Area Command for further administrative action.
Commander Yakubu emphasised that the handover was conducted in line with the Nigerian Navy’s Standard Operating Procedures and regulatory frameworks guiding maritime law enforcement.
In a related development, the base also intercepted approximately 17,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed at various locations including Bollington, Idale-Badagry, Owode-Apa, Ijofin, Ashikpa, and Badagry Market Waterside. The confiscated products were promptly destroyed to deter illegal bunkering and fuel smuggling.
Human Trafficking Crackdown
In its effort to combat human trafficking, FOB Badagry rescued 11 suspected victims in three separate operations. Among the rescued were three 15-year-old girls at Owode Border, a 19-year-old girl en route to Benin Republic, and seven teenagers intercepted on a passenger boat heading toward Porto Novo, with some identified as suspected recruiters.
The victims, hailing from Imo, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States, were allegedly being trafficked to destinations such as Mali, Ghana, and Cotonou. All individuals have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and family reunification.
These efforts align with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as encapsulated in the CNS Strategic Directive 06–2023, which focuses on enhanced maritime security, inter-agency collaboration, and protection of Nigeria’s coastal integrity.
Strengthening Synergy through Joint Training
In a bid to foster operational synergy, FOB Badagry recently hosted a two-day Joint Training Exercise and Patrol in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, and the Western Marine Command.
During the opening ceremony, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Captain B.O. Omotayo, stated that the initiative was designed to improve coordination, build capacity, and promote a unified approach to border and maritime security.
Two key lectures—“Optimising Multi-Agency Cooperation Towards Enhancing Operations” and “Impact of Inter-Agency Collaboration: Leveraging Core Competence and Security Cohesion”—were delivered to personnel from all participating agencies, followed by an interactive session focused on intelligence sharing and operational integration.
The training culminated in joint patrol simulations across designated waterways in the Badagry axis, reinforcing real-time response capability and showcasing the effectiveness of enhanced inter-agency cooperation.
Captain Omotayo reiterated that the base remains steadfast in its commitment to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and combat transnational crimes with professionalism, dedication, and strong partnerships.
Reporting by Taoreed Abdullahi