AKWA IBOM: Navy Intercepts 3,378 Bags Of Smuggled Rice In October , Arrests 54 Suspects

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom State have arrested a total of 54 suspected rice smugglers in October 2019.

The Navy also said a total of 3,378 bags of smuggled rice worth about N57.4 million were seized alongside 14 wooden boats from the suspects.

The Commanding Officer of the navy’s Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of the state, Captain Peter Yilme, said eight of the suspects were arrested on October 27 and 29 while bringing the rice in from Cameroon.

While handing over the suspects and items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Yilme who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant Commander Kabiru Yusuf, said the command will remain steadfast in fighting illegalities on the waterways.

Receiving the eight suspects, 650 bags of rice and two wooden boats from the Nigerian Navy, Deputy Superintendent of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alabi Adedokun, commended them for the cooperation and sustained arrest.