January 27, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended two suspected oil thieves with 2,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol.
The Commanding Officer of the Base, Captain Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this on Monday while handing over the suspects and recovered items to the Akwa Ibom Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Abdullahi explained that the suspects were nabbed on Friday, January 24, at about 7:45 pm during a routine patrol around the Mbo River general area.
“During a stop-and-search operation, FOB Ibaka intercepted a wooden boat carrying over 2,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
“The product was carefully concealed under cargo, including loaves of bread, fruits, and bags of cassava flakes, among other goods,” Abdullahi said.
He further revealed that the suspects had planned to smuggle the petrol from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroon.
Underlining the Navy’s zero-tolerance for maritime crimes, Abdullahi reiterated the commitment of FOB Ibaka, under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to making such illegal activities impossible in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
“Criminal elements operating within FOB Ibaka’s area of responsibility under the Eastern Naval Command will continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence,” he assured.
Abdullahi warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or other criminal activities within Nigeria’s waters to desist, noting that the Navy remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain.
Receiving the suspects and the recovered items, Assistant Superintendent of the NSCDC, Willie Emediong, said the corps would launch a detailed investigation and possibly prosecute the suspects.
