Pix: Dr Ahmed Audi, NSCDC CG
The Nigerian Navy has handed over six suspects and a wooden boat laden with 6,790 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commanding Officer, Navy’s Forward Operation Base (FOB), Ibaka, Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed on Monday that his men received an intelligence report on suspected smuggling activities within the FOB area of operation, resulting in the arrest.
Aneke said, “Falcon Eye Alignment Intelligence report indicated that a boat was conveying products suspected to have been smuggled from a creek and heading to the Republic of Cameroon while transiting within the waters under the FOB Ibaka area of operation.
“Consequently, the gunboats from the base on routine patrols were vectored to intercept and arrest six smugglers in a wooden boat that contained 6,790 litres of PMS concealed under 25 bags of yam, cartons of drinks, cornflakes, and over 200 cartons of tiles covered with a tarpaulin.
“Under the current leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we will ensure that, it is impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.”
Receiving the suspects, boat, and loaded fuel on behalf of the NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Superintendent of Corps, Mr Michael Asibor, Head of Anti-Vandal Unit, said the corps would carry out further investigation and prosecution.
“The next line of action is to interrogate them, and as soon as our investigation is concluded, they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately,” Asibor said.