The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo Local Government  Area of Akwa Ibom State, has arrested another five suspects with 98 bags of rice after a similar arrest on Tuesday.

Newsmen gathered that the suspects were arrested on the Wednesday by the operatives of the Base during a routine patrol by the Navy gunboat.

The Commanding Officer, FOB, Capt. Peter Yilme, who spoke while handing over the suspects and items to the Deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service, Garuba Hassan, said the suspects were arrested at the Agbani area.

He thanked the naval operatives for their gallantry adding that the continued arrests showed the unrelenting efforts of the smugglers to continue with their illicit trade despite repeated warning.

“The suspects and contraband were arrested on 22 January 2020 at about 0030 hours at Agbani area during routine patrol by FOB Ibaka gunboat crew. 

 

“The arrest brings to fore the unrelenting drive by the smugglers in continuing their illicit acts. Nevertheless, the base will not relent in ridding the waterways of all forms of criminal activities in order for legitimate economic activities to thrive. 

 “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 support and encouragement accorded her by the FOC Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran,” he stated.

The deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service Garuba Hassan, received the suspected smugglers and the items on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service.