Navy arrests 3, confiscate 210 bags of smuggled rice

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo local government area, Akwa Ibom State has arrested three suspected smugglers and intercepted 210 bags of smuggled rice from them. A medium sized boat and 40 horse power outboard engine were also recovered from the three suspects who were arrested by naval officers during their patrol of […]

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo local government area, Akwa Ibom State has arrested three suspected smugglers and intercepted 210 bags of smuggled rice from them.

A medium sized boat and 40 horse power outboard engine were also recovered from the three suspects who were arrested by naval officers during their patrol of the area.

Speaking yesterday in Ibaka during the handing over of the suspects and contraband rice to the Nigeria Customs Service, Commanding Officer, FOB, Captain Yusuf Idris said the rice was believed to be smuggled in from the Republic of Cameroon.

One of the suspects, 19 year-old Victor Okon from Oron local government area, Akwa Ibom State said he joined the trade because of lack of job and he needed to survive.

The second suspect, Nseabasi Okon, also from Oron local government area said his involvement in the trade was his first time, “I bring in goods from Cameroon and was told to bring in the product. I did not know what it was all about”.