The Nigerian Navy has successfully dismantled a smuggling syndicate operating in the coastal waters of Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. The syndicate was involved in the illegal transportation of petroleum products and other contraband to Cameroon and neighboring Gulf of Guinea nations.
Capt. Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, revealed the details of the operation while handing over the suspects and the seized items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Akwa Ibom. The items, which are valued in the millions of naira, included 2,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and 1,000 cartons of assorted beer brands.
The arrests occurred during a routine night patrol on Wednesday at around 7 PM in the Mbo River. The Navy's gunboat intercepted a wooden boat carrying the contraband. Upon a thorough inspection, the hidden drums of petrol were discovered beneath the cartons of beer, intended for smuggling into the Republic of Cameroon.
Capt. Aneke emphasized the Navy's commitment to tackling maritime crime in Nigeria's waters and warned that individuals or groups involved in smuggling or other criminal activities would face severe legal consequences. "Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not for illegal activities," he stated.
He further assured that the Navy would continue to use advanced surveillance technology and intelligence to identify and apprehend criminals operating within the region under the Eastern Naval Command’s responsibility. The suspects, along with the seized goods, were promptly handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation and prosecution.
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