The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka has apprehended two suspected smugglers transporting a speedboat loaded with 350 kg bags of fertilizers en route to Cameroon.
Captain Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of FOB, made the announcement on Thursday while handing over the suspects and their cargo to the Nigerian Customs Service in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom.
The arrests occurred on Tuesday at approximately 8:30 AM, following an intelligence report regarding suspicious smuggling activities in the area.
Capt. Aneke explained, “The intelligence indicated that a speedboat was carrying bags suspected to be fertilizers and was headed to Cameroon while transiting through our operational waters.”
He issued a warning to anyone considering smuggling or engaging in criminal activities in Nigeria’s waters, urging them to desist immediately.
Capt. Aneke affirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes, stating, “Under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we remain dedicated to tackling all forms of illegal activities in the state.”
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The Navy’s efforts are bolstered by advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence-gathering methods to detect criminal elements within the FOB Ibaka area of operations.
Mr. Dada Fagbola, the Deputy Superintendent of Customs for the Akwa Ibom Command, expressed gratitude to the Navy for their ongoing efforts to ensure safety in Nigeria’s waterways.
He confirmed that further investigations and prosecutions related to the case would follow.