Navy arrests two suspected smugglers with 350kg bags of fertilisers

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka has announced the arrest of two suspected smugglers caught with a speedboat carrying 350kg bags of fertiliser, allegedly destined for Cameroon.

The Commanding Officer of FOB, Captain Uchenchi Aneke, disclosed the arrest while handing over the suspects and the seized items to the Nigerian Customs Service in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday.

Aneke explained that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday at around 8:30 a.m. following an intelligence report about smuggling activities within the Navy’s area of operations.

“Intelligence indicated that a speedboat was transporting bags suspected to contain fertilisers and was heading to Cameroon, transiting through waters under FOB Ibaka’s area of operations,” said Aneke.

He warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters, urging them to desist immediately.

Aneke reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes in the state under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Aneke highlighted that criminal elements operating within the FOB Ibaka area, under the Eastern Naval Command, would continue to be detected through advanced surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Upon receiving the suspects and the confiscated goods, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Akwa Ibom Command, Dada Fagbola, expressed gratitude to the Navy for maintaining security on Nigeria’s waterways.

He confirmed that investigations and subsequent prosecution would follow.