The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, situated in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, has apprehended two individuals suspected of oil theft.
The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, revealed this information while transferring custody of the suspects and the seized items to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps in Ibaka on Tuesday.
The suspects were found transporting 3,500 liters of petrol in a wooden boat headed for Cameroon.
He stated that the arrest occurred around 11:15 a.m. on May 18, following an intelligence report regarding potential smuggling activities within the base’s jurisdiction.
“Consequently, our gunboats on routine patrol were vectored to intercept and arrest the two suspected smugglers.
“They were arrested with a wooden boat that contained 3,500 litres of petrol concealed under goods and covered with tarpaulin
“The intelligence report indicated that the boat was conveying products suspected to have been smuggled from Grey Creek near Effiat Community and headed towards Cameroon,” Aneke said.
The Commanding Officer emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to combatting maritime crimes in Akwa Ibom state.
He cautioned against smuggling and other illicit activities, warning that perpetrators would face legal consequences.
Aneke assured that advanced surveillance tools and intelligence would be used to identify criminal activities within the Forward Operating Base Ibaka’s jurisdiction, which falls under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility.
Upon receiving the suspects and seized items, Mr. Michael Asibor, Corps Superintendent and Head of the Anti-Vandal Unit of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, stated that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the matter.
