The suspected oil thief en route to Cameroon with 15,500 litres of suspected Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was apprehended by the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom.
Read Also: 2 Navy SEALs are missing following night mission off the coast of Somalia
The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, revealed this information during a handover ceremony at Ibaka, where the suspect and the seized product were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
The arrest took place at approximately 2:00 am on Friday, following an intelligence report received by the navy regarding a boat transporting smuggled products through the FOB, Ibaka operational area, and heading towards Cameroon.
Capt. Uche Aneke explained that upon intercepting the boat, it was discovered that it was carrying 15,500 litres of suspected PMS, cleverly concealed under a tarpaulin.
The navy also apprehended a suspected smuggler who was onboard the boat at the time of the interception.
The commanding officer emphasized the navy’s commitment to combating illegal activities, urging criminals to refrain from smuggling illegal consignments in and out of the country.
He highlighted the navy’s use of advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence to detect and deter criminal activities within their operational area.
Mr Etefia Koko-Ette, the Head of the Anti Vandal Unit of the NSCDC command in Akwa Ibom, received the seized exhibit and stated that further investigation would be conducted into the matter.
This collaborative effort between the Nigerian Navy and the NSCDC demonstrates their dedication to maintaining the security and integrity of Nigeria’s water and coastal areas, sending a clear message to criminals that illegal activities will not be tolerated.
