By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Three individuals arrested by the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
A statement issued on Thursday by Navy Captain Uche Aneke, Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka said they were allegedly smuggling 62 cartons of various contraband drugs and 125 sacks of crystalline ammonia.
The Navy statement said the arrests occurred on Monday, November 25, 2024, during a routine patrol by FOB Ibaka gunboats in the Bendero and Uta Uyata areas.
“The boat was laden with over 125 sacks of industrial chemicals (crystalline ammonia) and 62 cartons of various contraband drugs. These included 820 tubes of Pethidine (containing opium) and 24,800 bottles of Codeine syrup, smuggled from Cameroon into Nigeria,” the statement revealed.
The suspects and seized items were handed over on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to the NDLEA represented by Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Monday Jatau, to handle the drug-related substances and the NCS represented by Deputy Superintendent Mr. Abdulkadir Abubakar, for further investigation into the industrial chemicals.
Captain Aneke emphasized that the process adhered to the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure on Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment and directives from the Defence Headquarters.
Captain Aneke used the occasion to warn against any form of illegal activities in Nigerian waters. He highlighted the Navy’s determination to eradicate maritime crimes under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
“Criminal elements operating in FOB Ibaka’s jurisdiction will be detected through advanced surveillance and intelligence systems. Such individuals will be apprehended and prosecuted. Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not havens for illegal activities,” Aneke declared.
