The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State has arrested three suspected drug smugglers and impounded illicit drugs valued at N500 million.
The Commanding Officer of the base, Captain Uche Aneke, handed over the suspects and the contraband to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Aneke disclosed that the suspects were apprehended with 125 sacks of industrial chemicals (crystalline ammonia) and 62 cartons of various contraband drugs, including 820 tubes of Pethidine containing opium and 24,800 bottles of codeine syrup. The substances were reportedly smuggled from Cameroon into Nigeria.
He revealed that the arrest occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation by FOB Ibaka gunboats in the Bendero and Uta Uyata areas. The loaded wooden boat was intercepted, and the contraband was seized.
Speaking during the handover, Aneke explained that the operation was conducted in line with Nigeria’s harmonised standard operating procedure for the arrest, detention, and prosecution of vessels and persons in the maritime environment. He assured that the contraband and vessel were being handled according to directives from Defence Headquarters.
“The three suspects, along with the contraband drugs and industrial chemicals, have been handed over to the NDLEA, Akwa Ibom State Command, represented by Mr Monday Jatau, Deputy Commander of Narcotics.
“The industrial chemicals were handed over to the NCS, Akwa Ibom State Command, represented by Mr Abdulkadir Abubakar, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, for further investigation and possible prosecution,” Aneke stated.
The commanding officer warned individuals or groups involved in maritime criminality, urging them to desist. He reaffirmed the commitment of FOB Ibaka, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to eradicating maritime crimes in Akwa Ibom State’s coastal and maritime zones.
Aneke added that the base would continue leveraging advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence to detect and apprehend criminal elements within its area of responsibility under the Eastern Naval Command.
Receiving the suspects and contraband, Jatau assured that the agency would investigate the case thoroughly and prosecute the suspects. He commended the Nigerian Navy for its collaborative efforts.
Similarly, Abubakar of the NCS lauded the navy’s sustained partnership with sister agencies, describing it as vital to combating criminal activities, particularly on Nigeria’s waterways.
