Navy Arrests Two Suspected Smugglers, Seize Boat in A’Ibom

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has arrested two suspected smugglers.

Also, speed boat laden with suspected 350kg bags of fertilizers was seized from the suspects.

Commanding Officer, FOB, Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed this while handing over the suspects to the Nigerian Customs Service, Akwa Ibom State Command in Ibaka.

He said the suspected smugglers were arrested following intelligence report passed to the Navy on the activities of the suspected smugglers within its area of operations.

Aneke said: “Intelligence report indicated that a speed boat was conveying some bags suspected to be fertilizers and headed to the Republic of Cameroon while transiting within the waters of FOB Ibaka Area of operations.”

He warned that any individual or groups interested in smuggling illegal consignments in or out of Nigeria or planning to carry out any form of criminality in Nigeria’s waters to desist forthwith.

He said Nigerian Navy, under the current leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, remained committed to tackling all manners of maritime crimes in the state.

Aneke said criminal elements in FOB Ibaka Area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.

Receiving the suspects and items, Mr. Dada Fagbola, the Deputy Superintendent of Custom, Akwa Ibom State Command, thanked the Navy for providing safety in Nigeria’s waterways.

Fagbola said further investigation and prosecution would be carried out on the suspects.