The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, has arrested 13 suspects and seized 2,053 bags of smuggled rice in Akwa Ibom.
The Commanding Officer of the FOB, Cpt. Peter Yilme, made this known to newsmen on Thursday in Ibak.
He said that the suspects were arrested during routine operations on Jan. 26 and Jan. 29 in Unyenge creek area by the Navy.
Yilme was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Lt. Cdr. Kabiru Yusuf, at the handover of the suspects and the smuggled rice to the Deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Garuba Hassan.
He also assured that the base would not relent in putting an end to illegalities on the Akwa Ibom waterways.
“On behalf of the Commanding Officer, FOB, Ibaka, I hand over 2 053 bags of seized rice and 13 suspects to the Nigeria Custom Service.The arrest brings to fore the unrelenting drive of the smugglers to continue their illicit acts.
“Nevertheless, the Base will not relent in riding the waterways of all forms of criminal activities in order to enable legitimate economic activities to thrive.
`Smugglers are advised to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate business” he said.
