Navy arrest 10 smuggling suspects in Akwa-Ibom
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state has arrested 10 suspects for allegedly smuggling 956 bags of 50kg foreign rice into the country.
Commanding Officer of the naval base, Capt. Peter Yilme made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in Mbo, Akwa Ibom state on Monday.
Land Administration: FCTA to support states in GIS upgrade
He said that the 10 suspects were arrested in three different operations by navy patrol gunboats in February.
According to him, 165 bags of rice and suspects were apprehended on Ikang water ways, 707 bags of rice and suspects were seized offshore Agbani, while 84 bags of rice and suspects were arrested along the Unyenge creek.
Yilme warned the smugglers against the illegal trade, saying the navy would not rest on its oars until the trade and its sponsors are crippled.
He said as long as the smugglers refuse to quit their illegal activities on the waterways, the base would continually be on their tail to foil their illicit business.
Yilme, who was represented by the Base Operation’s Officer, Lt. Cdr. Kabiru Yusuf, handed over the suspects and seized items to Superintendent Dauda Abubakar of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for further action.
