Thu. Feb 13th, 2025

Taskforce Commander Op AWATSE inducts Nigerian Army into operations to checkmate smuggling in Badagry

The Nigerian Navy on Tuesday inducted 243 Recce Battalion Nigerian Army, Ibereko, Badagry into South West Joint Task Force Operation AWATSE to check smuggling of refined petroleum products, narcotics, and foreign-parboiled rice into the country.

Speaking during the induction, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command Operation, said the inclusion of the Army is to stifle smuggling and other criminalities in Badagry

According to Hassan, having identified manpower gap in coverage of our operations, Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa graciously approved the inclusion of 243 Battalion of Nigerian Army in the operation.

“We are leveraging on this induction to revamp our effort under operation Water Guard which has been reinvigorated, renamed Operation Water Guard II, which will be launched today

“Badagry, a place of great historical significance in our nation has been identified as one of the routes for smuggling of refined petroleum products, narcotics,foreign-parboiled rice and trafficking of young girls.

“This poses great challenges, and constitutes economic sabotage which threaten the security and prosperity of our nation.

“It is therefore our solemn duty as a force under the auspices of the JTF OP AWATSE operating in Badagry axis of the SW to tackle these issues head-on.

“The extant Operation Water Guard was an initiative that embodies our commitment to put an end to these unlawful activities.

“Without a doubt, a lot has been achieved in this regard.

“It is, however, believed that the induction of Nigerian Army today will add more impetus on land to what the operation has been doing in the maritime space and the littoral of Badagry general area,” he said.

Hassan said that the command had provided helicopter, trucks, Hillux pick-up to combat smuggling in the area.

He urged communities leaders in Badagry to support them in fighting smuggling.

The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri said Operation Water Guard was flagged off on Nov.9, 2023 to stem the tide of smuggling activities within Badagry and adjoining areas known for criminal hotspot.

“The smuggling activities include smuggling of refined petroleum products, foreign parboiled rice and narcotics as well as human trafficking across our borders.

“These criminal activities constitute not only security threats, but also economic sabotage which threatens the security and prosperity of our great nation.

“On the other hand, the JTF SW Op Awatse was launched and became fully operational today.

“Its mandate includes curbing pipeline vandalism, theft of petroleum products and protection of critical petroleum pipelines.

“Others are anti-cultism and anti-smuggling along the axis of Atlas cove and Ogun State.

“To further consolidate on the gains achieved, the CDS saw the need to conceptualize both operations so as to boost the efforts of the troops for joint action required to stamp out smuggling and other criminal activities within the maritime space.

“Therefore, the induction of the 243 Recce Battalion of Nigerian Army into OP Awatse and revamp of OP Water Guard II is expected to go a long way in curtailing the menace of smuggling and other criminal vices.

“Therefore, the induction of soldiers into operation and launch of Operation Water Guard II is expected to go a long way in curtailing the menace of smuggling,” he said.

In his remarks, Lt. Col A M. Abdu, the Commanding Officer, 243 Recce Barracks, Nigerian Army, Ibereko, Badagry, said they are ready, committed, and deeply motivated to execute their duties with precision, discipline, professionalism, and loyalty.

“We stand ready and resolute to carry out this mission with excellence and honor.

Your visit serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of our duty and the significance of this operation in safeguarding our nation’s security.

“As we commence Operation AWATSE, we are filled with renewed purpose and resolve,” he said.

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