News

Navy Hands Over Smuggled Rice To Customs In Lagos

Published

2 years ago

May 29, 2024

Editor

The Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Navy, Badagry on Wednesday handed over an unspecified number of bags of foreign rice seized from smugglers to the Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service.

The Base Operating Officer, Lt Cdr Bitus Zoaka, representing the Commanding Officer, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri, said the patrol team of the Base seized the rice on May 14.

According to him, at about 2.35pm on May 14, the base patrol team on assignment to curb illegalities in the Area of Operations (AOO) intercepted some vehicles laden with large quantity of foreign rice at Aradagun, Badagry.

“The products were suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic.

“No suspects were arrested as they fled on sighting our patrol team.

“The adjoining communities were also searched, but no smuggled products or suspects were found,” he said.

Zoaka said they were handing over the smuggled rice to the Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs.

“This is in line with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution, 2016.

“In line with the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla’s mission, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mustapha Hala Hassan on Nov.9, 2023 launched Opération Water Guard.

“This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal elements the freedom of action within Western Naval Command AOO in order to ensure security and economic stability in the region, while fulfilling the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional roles.

“Accordingly, these sustained efforts of FOB Base Badagry are all geared towards complying with CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to ensure a safe and secure operational environment in Nigeria and Gulf of Guinea for economic activities to thrive,” he said.

Deputy Comptroller I D Musa, the Officer in Charge of Enforcement, Seme Area Command, received the seized items on behalf of the Area Controller of Customs, Comptroller Timi Bomodi.

He said there was no hiding place for smugglers any longer.

He said the development would further strengthen the cordial relationship that existed between Nigerian Navy, Customs and other sister agencies.

According to him, the seizure has sent a signal to smugglers that when agencies of government come together, there is no hiding place for smugglers.

(NAN)

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.