The Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE has intercepted 1,306 bags of foreign parboiled rice during a routine anti-smuggling operation at Majidun Community in Ikorodu West Local Government Area, Lagos State.
Operation AWATSE, a joint security task force led by the Nigerian Navy, was established in October 2014 to combat the persistent siphoning of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from vandalised pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Lagos and surrounding areas. Other key components of the task force include the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking on the development, Commodore Paul Nimmyel disclosed that the seizure was made on April 12, 2025, during routine security patrols by the Marine Component of Operation AWATSE. He noted that the operation was triggered when vehicles suspected to be engaged in smuggling activities attempted to evade a checkpoint.
The Quick Response Team (QRT) of Operation AWATSE initiated an immediate pursuit, executing the interception in line with the Joint Task Force’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Nimmyel emphasized that the operation was conducted with a high level of professionalism and restraint, and importantly, no casualties were recorded.
“This successful interception underscores the unwavering commitment of the Maritime Component of Operation AWATSE to support statutory agencies in curbing smuggling and related economic crimes within our Area of Operations,” he stated.
The seized consignment was officially handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, Apapa on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in accordance with the Harmonized Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution.
Operation AWATSE continues to play a vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests by tackling smuggling, pipeline vandalism, and other transnational crimes in the coastal and inland waterways.