The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operation Base (FOB) Ibaka has arrested three suspects for stealing 4,750 litres of products suspected of being premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along Efiat waterways, Mbo local government area in Akwa Ibom state.
Parading the suspects at Navy Base in Ibaka, Mbo on Thursday, the Base Operating Officer Lt.-Cdr. Daniel Onyemaeze while handing the suspects to the Superintendent of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Candidi Odo said the products seized were concealed in 19 drums of 250 litres each and ferried in a wooden boat.
The Base Operating Officer confirmed that both the suspected thieves, boat and products were intercepted along the waterways by officers of the command who were on patrol.
He explained that the Base has handed over both the suspects and exhibits to NSCDC as a prosecuting agency for further investigations and necessary actions.
“This morning the FOB Ibaka is handing over 19 drums of suspected product to be PMS to NSCDC. Our personnel in FOB Ibaka intercepted them during our routine patrol at waterways.
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“This is in line with the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff to curtail illegal activities and criminal activities in the waterways,” Onyemaeze cautioned.
Onyemaeze warned perpetrators of illegal bunkering, oil theft and other criminal activities to desist from such nefarious activities as the wrath of the law would catch up on them.
Receiving the suspects and exhibits, the Superintendent Corps of NSCDC, Odo commended the effort of the Navy to reduce illegality to the barest minimum along the waterways.
“We expressed our gratitude to the Nigerian Navy, FOB Ibaka for the correlation that has existed between Navy and NSCDC.
“I enjoined Navy to continue in their good work and we promised them that we will never fail in carrying out further investigations and persecution of the culprits.” he said
