Badagry, Nigeria – August 21, 2025
The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has recorded significant operational successes in its intensified crackdown on smuggling and human trafficking along the Nigeria–Benin maritime corridor between July 18 and August 20, 2025.
In a press statement released today, the Navy detailed its achievements across key waterways including Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Tongeji axis, Akoro Beach, Owode-Apa, Gbaji, and Iyafin, highlighting the interception of large volumes of smuggled petroleum products, foreign rice, cannabis sativa, and the rescue of human trafficking victims.
According to the Navy, between July 29 and August 2, coordinated patrols in Tongeji Creek, Moba Waterside, and the Badagry-Porto Novo Creek led to the seizure of 823 bags of foreign parboiled rice. The consignment, hidden in boats and other covert means, was reportedly part of a well-organized smuggling network targeting Badagry and surrounding communities.
In a parallel operation, naval forces intercepted 13,965 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at various points including Owode-Apa, Ashikpa, and Akoro Beach. Intelligence reports revealed the fuel was bound for illegal export into Benin Republic. The Navy said the contaminated fuel was destroyed in accordance with existing regulations to prevent its entry into the local market.
The Navy also recorded major gains in the fight against human trafficking. Between July 23 and August 8, anti-trafficking operations along the Badagry–Porto Novo River resulted in the rescue of eight victims and the arrest of two traffickers, including Mr. Godwin Benard Ifeanyi, described as a key player in the trafficking ring. The victims, misled with promises of better opportunities abroad, were allegedly being trafficked for forced labour and prostitution. They have since been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for rehabilitation and reunification with their families.
In a separate operation on July 25, naval personnel raided a suspected drug storage facility in the Jegeme area, recovering 50 wraps of cannabis sativa. The illicit drugs, believed to be bound for local distribution, were turned over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Seme for further action.
All seized items have since been transferred to appropriate authorities. The 823 bags of rice were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, while the cannabis was handed to the NDLEA.
The Navy credited these successes to enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, and the unwavering support of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, under his Strategic Directive 06–2023. The directive emphasizes inter-agency collaboration and a tough stance against economic sabotage and transnational crimes.
“FOB Badagry remains resolute in its mission to protect Nigeria’s maritime borders and eliminate criminal activities along the coastline,” the statement concluded. “We will continue to work closely with host communities and sister security agencies to ensure the safety and prosperity of our border regions.”
