NAVAL operatives attached to Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo local government area, Akwa Ibom State, have nabbed 13 suspected rice smugglers in two separate operations.
In the operations which took place on the 26th and 29th of January this year, the navy officials recovered from the suspects were 2,053 bags of smuggled rice at the Uyenge creek area.
Speaking on Thursday in Ibaka, Commanding Officer, FOB, Captain Peter Yilme, represented by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Kabiru Yusuf, handed over the suspects and 50kg bags of rice to the Deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service, Garuba Hassan.
He said the arrests were made during a routine patrol by Navy gunboats.
He emphasised that the base will not relent in putting an end to illegalities on the water ways, and advised the smugglers to desist from the illicit act.
He added that the arrests were were made within three days after 5 suspects and 98 bags of rice were handed over to the NCS.
“On behalf of the Commanding Officer, FOB, Ibaka, I hand over 2 053 bags of seized rice and 13 suspects to DSC KG Hassan of the NCS.
“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 for legitimate economic activities to strive.
“Smugglers are advised to turn a new leaf and embrace legitimate business activities. FOB, Ibaka appreciates once again, the provision of necessary logistics to the Base by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas.
“Additionally, the Base would not be achieving its operational mandate if not for the spport and encouragement accorded her by the FOC Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran,” he stated.

By Bassey Anthony’