By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Nigerian Navy has said that the Forward Operations Base, FOB in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom remaiened strategic for the success of the fight against smuggling from Cameroun and other parts of Central Africa.
Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, said the base has been in the forefront of the Navy’s anti-smuggling operations within its area of jurisdiction, adding that FOB has performed above average in all ramifications.
Speaking during an inspection of FOB yesterday, Adeniran said the base is first in the Navy’s drive to end smuggling and other illegal trade on the waterways, especially smuggled rice brought in from the Republic of Cameroon.
He said the inspection was necessary to encourage the efforts of the Commanding Officer, Captain Peter Yilme and his officers for the great job they were doing adding that the Nigerian Navy would not relent in its duty to protect the country from external illegalities.
“This particular unit is at the fore front of our anti-smuggling operation and they have achieved a lot. If I am to qualify it, this is the number one base when it comes to anti-smuggling operation in our area of responsibility. They have done very well and we have to come around to encourage them.
He said the Base has also recorded great successes in the arrest of rice and illegal Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) smugglers and have always handed over the suspects to the relevant agencies.
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