Nigerian Navy arrests 3 over suspected oil theft, smuggling in Akwa-Ibom

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Nigerian Navy arrests 3 over suspected oil theft, smuggling in Akwa-Ibom

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operation Base, FOB, Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, has arrested three persons over alleged oil theft in the state.

The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, made this disclosure on Monday, saying that the suspects were caught carrying 1,800 litres of stolen Premium Motor Spirit, also called petrol.

Aneke who spoke while handing over the suspects to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Ibaka, said that they were apprehended at about 11.30am on January 10.

“Our personnel on routine patrol around Bendero and Uta Uyata General Area of Mbo, intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 1,800 litres of petrol.

“The product was carefully concealed under cargos which included packs of soft drinks, biscuits, sachet water, casava flakes among others.

“Their intention is to smuggle the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroun,” he said.

According to him, the navy, under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, IS strongly committed to combating maritime crime and economic sabotage.

Aneke warned those involved in oil theft, smuggling and pipeline vandalism to desist forthwith, saying, Nigeria’s waters and coastal areas are not for illegal activities.

The commanding officer said the navy would continue to detect criminal elements within the FOB Ibaka operational area through the use of advanced surveillance and intelligence technology.