The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), located in the serene Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, has successfully intercepted a smuggling operation, leading to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of a wooden boat loaded with 18 bags of rice.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB, Captain Uche Aneke, made this significant revelation during the handover of the suspects and confiscated rice to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Ibaka, on Friday.
According to Captain Aneke, the suspects were apprehended on Thursday, thanks to actionable intelligence received by the Nigerian Navy (FOB) Ibaka, regarding suspected smuggling activities within their operational area.
In his briefing, Captain Aneke shed more light on the intelligence received, which indicated the transportation of contraband foreign parboiled rice from Cameroon to Nigeria, via a boat that was traversing the waters under the jurisdiction of FOB, Ibaka.
“Yesterday, we were able to intercept a wooden boat carrying 18 bags of contraband parboiled rice, cleverly concealed under 600 baskets of tomatoes. Today, we are handing over the suspects and seized items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for further investigation and prosecution.
“Under the esteemed leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, criminal activities will not be tolerated in Nigerian waters. We are committed to frustrating their efforts,” Captain Aneke affirmed.
This swift and decisive action by the Nigerian Navy serves as a strong message to all criminal elements attempting to exploit Nigeria’s territorial waters for illicit activities. The interception of this smuggling operation not only demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding our national interests, but also reinforces their determination to protect the economy and prevent the influx of contraband goods that harm local industries.
The continuous efforts of the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of our coastal communities and maintaining a safe maritime environment in and around our nation’s waters.
It is imperative that we support the Nigerian Navy and other law enforcement agencies by providing them with timely and accurate information that could aid in the prevention and detection of criminal activities. Together, we can build a stronger and more secure Nigeria.
