Navy nabs two suspected smugglers, seizes 38 bags of rice

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom says it has apprehended two suspected smugglers, seized 38 bags of rice and impounded the boat used in smuggling the parboiled rice.

The Commanding Officer, FOB, Navy Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed this while handing over the suspects and the 38 bags of parboiled rice to the Nigerian Customs Service in Ibaka on Monday.

Aneke said the suspects were arrested on Jan. 4 at about 08:30hrs in the morning.

He said that intelligence indicated that a boat was conveying some foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled from Cameroon to Nigeria and transiting within the waters under FOB Ibaka area of responsibility.

“Consequently, the gunboats from the Base on routine patrols, through a stop and search operation were able to intercept two suspected smugglers in a fibre boat that contained 38 bags of 50kg contraband foreign parboiled rice concealed under nine drums of 250ltrs empty drums covered with a canopy,” Aneke said.

Aneke said that FOB Ibaka under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility, will continue to detect criminals with advanced surveillance equipment, apprehend and ensure their arrest and prosecution.

He warned individuals or groups interested in smuggling illegal consignment into or out of Nigeria or planning to carry out any form of criminality in Nigeria’s territorial waters to desist forthwith.

He added that Nigerian waters and the Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities.

Receiving the two suspects, along with seized items, Superintendent of Customs, Bolaji Ajao, said that the team would take the suspects for further investigation and prosecution.

Ajao thanked the Nigerian Navy for their cooperation and support to the Nigerian Customs Service in combating smuggling in the country.

“Nigeria Navy has always supported us, we will continue to appreciate them and support each other and work together,” Ajao said.