The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral David Adeniran has commended Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom state for fighting smuggling on the waterways.
Adeniran said the base has been in the forefront of the Navy’s anti-smuggling operations within its area of jurisdiction, adding that FOB has performed above average in all ramifications.
Speaking during an inspection of FOB on Sunday, Adeniran said the base is first in the Navy’s drive to end smuggling and other illegal trade on the waterways, especially smuggled rice brought in from the Republic of Cameroon.
He added that the inspection was necessary to encourage the efforts of the Commanding Officer of FOB, Capt Peter Yilme and his men for a job well done and listen to their challenges to seek out possible solutions to them.
He commended the base for its neatness, and the Naval headquarters for its support, adding that the Nigerian Navy has a duty to perform for the people of the country and would continue to do so.
“This is one of the units under the Eastern Naval Command. This particular unit is at the fore front of our anti-smuggling operation and they have achieved a lot. If I am to qualify it, this is the number one base when it comes to anti-smuggling operation in our area of responsibility. They have done very well and we have to come around to encourage them.
“Besides, the Nigerian Navy has schedule of events and this period is meant for the inspection of units. We have to inspect the various units and be sure that things are what they are supposed to be; the neatness and the welfare.
“As the Commander, I have to talk to my men, hear from them; there are issues burning in their hearts I have to listen to. I was here some time ago, between then and now, there are a lot of issues, the COVID-19 global pandemic and others.
“Despite the fact that the Federal Government has eased restriction, there are a lot of things that we still need to do as members of the Armed Forces because it is when we are in good health that we can actually perform our duty adequately,” he said.
