Defence Headquarters says the Gunboats of Forward Operating Base IBAKA of Operation Silent HeatIII has intercepted and arrested a large wooden boat containing 50kg parboiled rice suspected to be smuggled in from the Republic of Cameroon.
The arrest was made on Saturday while on routine patrol along Utan Iyata Creek
A statement by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Eneche said a total of 1,637 bags of 50kg parboiled rice was recovered and 2 suspects were arrested.
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Eneche said the patrol and subsequent arrest is in continuation of aggressive clearance operation against economic sabotage and other sundry crimes in the South-South zone of the country.
He noted that the suspects are being profiled and would subsequently be handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service component of Operation SWÌFT RESPONSE South-South border drill along with the bags of rice for further action.
The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for their dexterity and encouraged them to remain resolute in the fight against economic sabotage in the country.