Ten suspected smugglers have been arrested in Akwa Ibom State with 956 bags of rice.

WuzupNigeria gathered that the 10 were arrested by the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, in Mbo Local Government Area, of the state.

The suspects were arrested in three different operations carried out by the Navy patrol gunboats on the 15th, 23rd and 25th February 2020, respectively.

The commanding Officer [FOB], Peter Yilme, said during the first Operation a total of 165 bags of 50KG Rice were seized from the suspects, 707 bags in the second operation while 84 bags were recovered during the third operation

According to him, three wooden medium-sized boats used in conveying the rice were also seized

The commanding officer who was represented by the Base Operation Officer, Lieutenant Commander Kabiru Yusuf, warned the smugglers to desist from the illegal trade.

He said the Nigerian Navy would not relent in its efforts until the illegal trade and it sponsors are crippled

He said,

“On behalf of the commanding officer, Peter Yilme, I, Lieutenant Commander Kabiru Yusuf hand over ten suspects with 956 bags of 50kg rice to the Superintendent of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dauda Abubakar

“Navy patrol gunboats on 15th February,2020 arrested 165 bags of rice and four suspects, and on 23rd 707bags of rice and three suspects were arrested while on the. 25th February, 84 bags of rice and three suspects were also arrested.

“The 165 bags of rice and suspects were apprehended on Ikang Waterways, the 707 bags and their suspects were arrested at Agbani Offshore while the 84 bag and the suspects were arrested along the Unyenye creeks.” 

Receiving the suspects and the items, Superintendent of the Nigeria Customs Service at Ibaka, Dauda Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its cooperation in the fight against illegal trade in the Nigeria Waterways.

He added that with sustained efforts from the Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service, the fight against illegal trade would finally be won.