The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has arrested two suspected oil thieves with 2,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), in the state.
The Commanding Officer of the Base, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command in Ibaka on Monday.
He said that the suspects were arrested on Friday, Jan. 24 at about 7:45 in the evening while on routine patrol around Mbo river general area during stop-and-search.
“During stop and search, FOB, Ibaka intercepted a wooden boat laden with over 2,100 Litres of product confirmed to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which were carefully concealed under cargoes which included loaves of bread, fruits, and bags of casava flakes amongst others goods.
“All these were with the intention of smuggling the product from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroon,” Abdullahi said.
He said that, under the current leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, FOB IBAKA would ensure that it is impossible for maritime crimes to continue in the maritime and coastal areas of Akwa Ibom.
The Commanding Officer, said that criminal elements in FOB IBAKA area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of responsibility would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.
Abdullahi 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 warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminality activity within Nigeria’s waters, urging them to desist immediately.
Receiving the suspects and Items, Assistant Superintendent Corps, Willie Emediong said the corps would further investigate and possibly prosecute the suspects.
