A statement issued by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the Base Information Officer for the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, revealed that Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander of Operation AWATSE, provided details of a recent operation. The operation led to the seizure of 1,306 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
According to the statement, the operation was part of the routine security and anti-smuggling efforts conducted within the Area of Operations. During the operation, several vehicles suspected of being involved in smuggling attempted to bypass a checkpoint, prompting a quick response from the Operation AWATSE Quick Response Team (QRT) as per the Joint Task Force’s Standard Operating Procedures.”
The operation was carried out with great professionalism and restraint, ensuring no casualties. The swift action taken by the QRT and the successful interception of the contraband reflect the Maritime Component’s continued dedication to supporting relevant agencies in curbing smuggling activities,” the statement noted.
The seized rice was handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, Apapa, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, following the Harmonized Standard Procedures for Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution.
Source : https://www.channelstv.com/
