Nigerian Navy Officer Dies as Boat Capsizes During Anti-Rice Smuggling Raid in Lagos

A Nigerian Navy officer identified as OS Nuhu has tragically lost his life during a maritime operation to clamp down on rice smuggling in the Badagry area of Lagos State.

The incident occurred on Saturday when one of the boats involved in the operation capsized, resulting in his death and leaving another officer severely injured.

Sources familiar with the operation revealed that the Nigerian Navy launched a coordinated raid on suspected smugglers bringing contraband rice into the country through Badagry waters. The raid reportedly led to the arrest of over 20 boats involved in the illicit trade.

However, during the course of the arrests, one of the boats carrying rice capsized, killing Officer Nuhu instantly. The injured officer was immediately rushed to a medical facility, though his current condition remains unknown.

“Naval personnel came into the area to arrest rice smugglers. They intercepted several boats, but one overturned during the operation. Nuhu died on the spot, while the second officer was rushed to the hospital,” a local witness reported.

The raid was said to have been led by Captain Oyeleye Omotayo, with a focus on disrupting smuggling routes along the Port-Novo creek.

In a related development, allegations have surfaced accusing certain Nigerian Customs officials of aiding rice smuggling through bribes. Sources claim that smugglers pay up to ₦250,000 per boatload each carrying between 120 and 150 bags to bypass security checkpoints, allowing contraband rice to flood the Nigerian market.

The smuggled rice is reportedly brought in from Benin Republic and transported through key points like Marina Customs Base, Iya Afin, and Erekiti in Badagry. Business owners have expressed frustration, noting the negative impact of these illegal activities on legitimate trade.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Customs Service were unsuccessful as officials did not respond to calls or messages.