The Nigerian Navy has successfully apprehended two suspected smugglers along the waterways of Akwa Ibom State, impounding a speed boat loaded with 350kg bags of fertilizer allegedly destined for illegal export to Cameroon.
The arrest was made by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, under the command of Capt. Uche Aneke. According to the Navy, the suspects were captured on Tuesday, October 15, around 8:30 a.m., following an intelligence report indicating suspicious activity in the area.
Capt. Aneke revealed that the Navy received credible information about a speed boat carrying bags believed to be fertilizer, heading towards Cameroon through the waterways under the FOB Ibaka’s jurisdiction.
“Our surveillance team acted promptly on the intelligence and successfully intercepted the boat. This operation is a clear warning to anyone involved in smuggling or other illegal activities in Nigerian waters,” Aneke said. “Under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, we are committed to eradicating maritime crimes in Akwa Ibom’s coastal areas.”
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Aneke emphasized that the Navy, using advanced surveillance technology and intelligence gathering, will continue to clamp down on criminal elements within the region, particularly those operating under the Eastern Naval Command’s jurisdiction.
The suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service. Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Mr. Dada Fagbola, praised the Navy for its diligent efforts in securing Nigeria’s maritime borders. He assured the public that a thorough investigation and prosecution would follow, in line with Nigeria’s Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution.
