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The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy at Ibaka in Mbo Local Council of Akwa Ibom State has arrested eight suspects and confiscated 608 bags of 50kg rice.
Parading the culprits and the goods at Ibaka, the naval formation’s Commanding Officer, Captain Peter Yilme, counselled smugglers to turn a new leaf, reminding them that his men and officers would not relent in their onslaught until the waterways were safe.
He said the suspects were arrested in three operations between February 6 and 7, 2020 with 47, 42 and 519 bags of rice loaded in three medium-sized boats.
Handing over the culprits to Superintendent of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wasiu Adebowale, the commander warned: “FOB will not relent in arresting them and ending illegal activities on the waterways as long as they do not desist from the trade.”
He added: “On behalf of the Commanding Officer, Captain Peter Yilme, I, Lieutenant Commander K. Yusuf, hand over 608 bags of rice, eight suspects and three boats to Superintendent of Customs Service, W. Adebowale.”
Recounting their ordeal, two of the suspects, Michael Okon and Joseph Etim, both from Akwa Ibom State, said they were forced into bringing the product from neighbouring Cameroun because they were ‘hustling’ to survive.
Okon, who said it was his first time in the nefarious business, explained that he needed money badly to bury his dead mother, hence his involvement in the economic sabotage.
“I went to Cameroun to buy rice. On my way back, the navy stopped me and brought me here. I don’t have money to bury my mum, that is why I decided to bring in rice since I don’t have anybody to help me,” he said.
Etim also claimed that it was his maiden attempt, linking his helplessness to lack of job.
“I am here because I was caught smuggling rice. I just went to Cameroun to buy rice and on my way back, naval police arrested me. I don’t have somebody to help me, so when I saw the opportunity, I went to Cameroun. I was hustling to survive, somebody sent me to go and bring the rice,” he recollected.
