NSCDC marine team foils smuggling attempt, seizes 292 bags of contraband rice
The marine team of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), led by Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Audi, successfully intercepted 292 bags of smuggled foreign rice at Eleko Beach, Lagos, based on intelligence received.
Acting on information provided by its monitoring team, the NSCDC apprehended three suspects who were transporting the smuggled goods from Cotonou, Benin Republic, using three wooden boats.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Babawale Afolabi, it was emphasized that the Corps has intensified its surveillance efforts to combat criminal activities and safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure.
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Furthermore, the Commandant General, Dr. Audi, has ordered that the apprehended suspects be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to fulfilling its statutory functions, including the protection of critical assets, combatting vandals and vandalism, and addressing economic sabotage within the country. Dr. Audi also highlighted the collaboration with other security agencies to enhance the fight against crime and criminality nationwide.
Dr. Audi emphasized that the Corps remains dedicated to proactive and tactical patrols, both on land and at sea, to prevent all forms of smuggling, ensure the safety of the country’s waterways, and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity.
Following the arrest on September 18, 2023, Dr. Audi directed that the suspects and seized exhibits be handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for prosecution, in accordance with the laws of the land, after preliminary investigations are concluded.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Usman Alfadarai, proceeded to hand over the suspects and seized goods to the appropriate prosecuting agency at the NSCDC’s marine operational base in Ijora, Lagos State.
