Navy seizes 316 drums of diesel from smugglers in A/Ibom
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state has seized 316 drums of illegal Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) known as diesel from smugglers at Agbani Offshore.
The seized drums which amount to 300 litres of diesel each were seized on March 8 during routine patrol by navy gunboats.
Speaking on Thursday in Ibaka during the hand -over of the items to the Assistant Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bodinga Bawa, the Commanding Officer of the base, Capt. Peter Yilme said the product was being ferried to the Republic of Cameroon.
Yilme, who explained that on sighting the navy gunboats, the suspects abandoned the medium sized wooden boat used in carrying the AGO, lamenting that the smugglers have continued with the illicit trade despite efforts in stopping them.
He affirmed that the base will not relent in its efforts to rid the waterways of all forms of criminal activities for legitimate economic activities and warned those involved in the illegal trade to repent and embrace other legitimate businesses.
The commanding officer commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, for providing the necessary logistics to the base which has enabled it in making numerous arrests and seizure of smuggled goods.
He noted that without the support of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, the base would not have achieved its operational mandate.
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“Despite the persistence of smugglers, the base will not relent in its efforts to rid the waterways within its area of operation of all forms of criminal activities in order for legitimate economic activities to strive. I strongly warn and advise those into this illicit trade to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate business activities,” he stated.
Receiving the drums of diesel, the Assistant Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bodinga Bawa, appreciated the navy for being in the forefront of ensuring that the border closure order of the federal government is maintained within its area of operation.
He urged the navy to ensure that goods are not smuggled out and into the country, adding that the necessary court processes will be followed and the outcome relayed back to the navy for information purposes.
