Onitsha (Anambra) – The Nigerian Navy, on Wednesday, handed over 2,600 litres of smuggled fuel products to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC).
It seized 150kg of cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The navy also seized a van used to convey the 13 drums containing the smuggled products and arrested the driver.
Handing over the seized products and the suspect, Navy Captain Mike Oamen, the Commanding Officer of Naval Outpost Onitsha, said that the arrests were made possible by a tip off.
“I just want to use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to criminal minded persons that are planning or have the motive of coming to perpetuate evil or criminal acts along the lower River Niger that they would have the navy to contend with.
“And then, now that we have a veritable platform, the joint-taskforce set-up by his Excellency Chief Willie Obiano (the governor of Anambra State); we are better prepared.
“And ready to take them on and ensure that we rid Anambra of illegal persons, criminal minded persons.
“And make the state conducive place for people to go about their lawful and lawful duties,“ he said.
The commander, who said that the navy would sustain the tempo, warned oil bunkerers and other smugglers using the River Niger waterways to stop their activities or have the might of men of the navy to contend with.
Reacting after taking over the case, the Deputy Commandant of NSCDC, Anambra Command, Mr Chris Okoronkwo, applauded the collaboration between the navy and NSCDC in tackling crimes along the River Niger.
Okoronkwo said that the case would be prosecuted to its logical conclusion and more arrest made in connection to the crime if any.
“Our boys are seriously working and this is one of the result as you can see; we would not relent even as we continue to build-up the existing relationship of NSCDC with other sister security agencies,“ Okoronkwo said.
Also speaking, the Commander of NDLEA, Fegge Area Command, Mr Taiwo Aladetohun, thanked the navy for the seizure, saying: “The navy had helped the NDLEA keep away 150kg of cannabis out of circulation in Anambra State.“ (NAN)
