The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry has recorded significant successes in its intensified crackdown on smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes between 18 July and 20 August 2025.
Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry, Navy Captain B.O. Omotayo, disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday, explaining that the Base carried out a series of high-impact operations across key locations, including the Badagry–Porto Novo Creek, Tongeji axis, Akoro Beach, Owode-Apa, Gbaji, and Iyafin.
According to the statement, one of the major breakthroughs occurred between 29 July and 2 August, when coordinated patrols in Tongeji Creek, Moba Waterside, and Badagry–Porto Novo Creek led to the seizure of 823 bags of foreign parboiled rice. The contraband, hidden in boats and secret storage areas, was part of an extensive smuggling network moving goods into Nigerian communities from the Benin Republic.
In related anti-smuggling operations, the Navy also confiscated approximately 13,965 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in locations including Owode-Apa, Ashikpa, Akoro Beach, and Tongeji. The fuel, which was reportedly destined for illegal export, was found to be contaminated and was destroyed in accordance with safety regulations to prevent it from entering the local market.
The Base also intensified efforts to counter human trafficking, particularly along the Badagry–Porto Novo waterway. Between 23 July and 8 August, Navy personnel rescued eight victims of trafficking and arrested two suspects, including Mr. Godwin Benard Ifeanyi, identified as a key facilitator in the syndicate.
Preliminary investigations revealed the victims were lured with false promises of better jobs in neighbouring countries, only to face exploitation through forced labour and prostitution. The rescued individuals have since been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for care and rehabilitation.
Similarly, on 25 July, acting on credible intelligence, Navy personnel raided a suspected drug storage site at the Jegeme axis, where the operation uncovered 50 wraps of cannabis sativa hidden for distribution. The seizure dealt a significant blow to local narcotics trafficking networks and reinforced the Navy’s commitment to preventing criminal exploitation of border communities.
As of 21 August, the seized items have been handed over to appropriate authorities. The 823 bags of rice were transferred to the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, while the cannabis sativa was handed to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command, for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Navy Captain Omotayo emphasized that these achievements reflect the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as contained in the CNS Strategic Directive 06–2023, adding that the directive outlines the Navy’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders, combating transnational crimes, and supporting inter-agency collaboration to enhance national security.
“FOB Badagry remains committed to executing its mandate with professionalism, diligence, and resolve. We will continue to work closely with local communities and security partners to rid our waters of illegal activities,” Omotayo stated.
