The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended two suspects, impounded 70 bags of smuggled rice and seized the two boats used in smuggling the rice.
The commanding officer, FOB, Navy Captain Muhammed Kabiru, made this known in Ibaka while handing over the suspects and bags of rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Kabiru, represented by the operations officer of the Base, Lt. Cdr. Samuel Olawookere, said the suspects and the 70 bags of rice were seized on April 7 during routine patrol operations by the FOB personnel.
He said the suspects were arrested along Effiat waterways in Mbo Local Government Area during the patrol.
Kabiru said they would not relent in putting an end to all criminalities on the Akwa Ibom waterways.
He warned smugglers to steer clear of Nigeria’s maritime borders, adding that officers and men of the FOB, Ibaka would not relent until Akwa Ibom waterways are free from all forms of criminality.
Receiving the suspects and the 70 bags of rice on behalf of the NCS, Mr Kikems Danbana, the officer-in-charge of Oron axis, joint border patrol team, said they would do everything possible to stop smuggling in the country. (NAN)
