The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State has arrested three suspected oil thieves ferrying 2, 000 litres of premium motor spirit and 1, 000 cartoons of beer to Cameroon.
Commanding Officer of the base, Capt. Uche Aneke disclosed this while handing over the suspects and the seized items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command on Friday at the naval base in Mbo Local Government Area of the state
Aneke while briefing journalists on the incident, said the suspects were arrested on November 20, 2024, during a routine night patrol on Mbo River.
“The navy intercepted a wooden boat laden with about 1,000 cartons of different brands of beer and other goods. Upon a thorough search, we discovered 2, 000 litres of petrol stored in drums and carefully concealed under the beer cartons with the intention of smuggling them into the Republic of Cameroon,” Capt. Aneke said.
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He warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters to desist immediately from such crimes.
Capt. Aneke reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to combating maritime crimes in the state, under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
He also assured those criminal elements carrying out their nefarious activities within the navy’s area of operations in Ibaka, would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
“Such criminals will be apprehended and duly prosecuted. Nigeria’s waters and the Nigerian coastal areas are not for illegal activities,” he said.
