By FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
Troops of Operation Silent Heat operating in the South-South zone has impounded a total of 1,637 bags of 50kg parboiled rice smuggled from neighbouring Republic of Cameroun with 2 suspects also arrested.
According to a report from the Defence Media Operations (DMO) of the Defence headquarters in Abuja, gunboats of Forward Operating Base IBAKA on the 17th October 2020 while on routine patrol along Utan Iyata Creek intercepted and arrested a large wooden boat containing 50kg parboiled rice suspected to be smuggled in from the Republic of Cameroon.
Two suspects were arrested and currently undergoing profiling for subsequent transfer to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The report contained in a Statement signed by Coordinator Defence Media Operations, MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE said:
“In continuation of aggressive clearance operation against economic sabotage and other sundry crimes in the South-South zone of the country, troops of Operation SILENT HEAT III recorded tremendous successes. Gunboats of Forward Operating Base IBAKA today Saturday 17 October 2020 while on routine patrol along Utan Iyata Creek intercepted and arrested a large wooden boat containing 50kg parboiled rice suspected to be smuggled in from the Republic of Cameroon.
“A total of 1,637 bags of 50kg parboiled rice was recovered and 2 suspects were arrested. Currently 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 encourages them to remain resolute in the fight against economic sabotage in the country”. the statement said.
