Navy arrests 7 suspects, seizes 470 bags of contraband rice

The Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom State has arrested seven suspects and seized 470 bags of contraband rice. Five suspects and their wooden boat were intercepted by officials of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Mbo LGA of the state, on routine patrol and 308 bags of 50kg rice found with them, while the two […]

The Nigerian Navy in Akwa Ibom State has arrested seven suspects and seized 470 bags of contraband rice.

Five suspects and their wooden boat were intercepted by officials of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Mbo LGA of the state, on routine patrol and 308 bags of 50kg rice found with them, while the two other suspects were intercepted with 162 bags of 50kg rice, said to be brought in from the Republic of Cameroon.

Speaking yesterday in Ibaka during the handover of the suspects and items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Commanding Officer, FOB, Captain Toritseju Vincent, said the Navy was committed to rid the area of illegal activities on the water ways.

One of the suspects, Emmanuel Bassey from Udung Uko LGA of the state, said though he regretted his involvement in smuggling the contraband rice, he was compelled into the business to survive.

Bassey, who was manning one of the seized wooden boats, said he sawed wood in Cameroon for two years but had to return to Nigeria because he was harassed by hoodlums while plying his trade there.

“I went to Cameroon to bring rice back to Nigeria but on my way back, I was arrested by the Navy. I used to saw wood before; this is my first time in this trade. I was promised N5,000 but now, I regret my involvement in smuggling and promise not to do it again,” he said.