Navy Shuts Down 150 Illegal Refineries

The Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy in Calabar has shut down over 150 illegal refineries through swamp buggy operations in its area of responsibility, which includes Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers State, in the last seven months.

Outgone Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Command, Rear Admiral, Mathew Emuekpere, who made this known while handing over to his successor, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, in Calabar on Tuesday also said within the period through their anti-smuggling operations, the Command had seized 13, 803 bags of imported rice valued at the sum of over N220 million at N16, 000 per bag among several other contrabands.

He said with the reduction of smuggling activities, the Command has been able to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts in revamping the economy and enhancing the activities of local farmers.

Emuekpere, said during this time, which he served as the FOC, having taken over the Command in January this year, over 90 suspects have been arrested with their vessels and barges for various martime crimes.

He thanked Navy personnel and other sister security agenies and paramilitary organziations and civilans that contributed to the successes recorded during his stay as the FOC of the Command and urged that the same support be extended to his successor.