In a significant seizure, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has transferred 58 bags of confiscated foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service. The handover occurred on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The contraband was initially intercepted on August 31, 2025, by a NNS BEECROFT patrol team operating from Liverpool Apapa. Acting on intelligence, the team discovered two wooden boats carrying the suspected smuggled rice. The individuals aboard abandoned the vessels upon sighting the naval personnel.
Representing the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, Executive Officer Captain Idongesit Udoessien oversaw the transfer.
He emphasized that the operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing commitment, under Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to combat illegal maritime activities, including smuggling, within the nation’s coastal waters.
Captain Udoessien reiterated the Navy’s dedication to collaborating with other security agencies to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain, ensuring a secure environment for socio-economic growth.
He praised the professionalism of the NNS BEECROFT team and called on the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
The 58 bags of smuggled foreign rice were officially received by Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Kehinde Alade Saliman, of the Western Marine Command in Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action.
