The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka has arrested three suspected oil thieves who were caught with a boat carrying crude oil valued at N32 million in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Captain Uche Aneke, disclosed the arrest while handing over the suspects and the seized items to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Akwa Ibom Command on Thursday.
Aneke explained that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, at about 09:05 am, following an intelligence report on the activities of suspected criminals involved in crude oil theft within the Navy’s operational area.
“With the necessary support of FOB Ibaka, the Tantita team intercepted and arrested the suspected criminals with a wooden boat discovered to be laden with about 60,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil,” Aneke stated.
In addition to the crude oil, other items recovered from the suspects included outboard engines and a pumping machine.
“Notably, at the time of arrest, the wooden boat had a total of three crew members (all Nigerians),” the commanding officer said.
READ ALSO: EFCC Arrests Five Chinese for Alleged Illegal Mining in Akwa Ibom
He further revealed that the vessel was found to be carrying 11 Geepee tanks, which were loaded with approximately 60,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, “overloaded from offshore Ibeno in Akwa Ibom.”
Captain Aneke also issued a stern warning to anyone planning criminal activities in Nigerian waters. “I want to warn individuals or groups planning to carry out any form of criminality in Nigerian waters or smuggling illegal consignments into or out of Nigeria’s waters, to desist immediately,” he stated.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to combatting maritime crimes in the region, Aneke said, “We remain dedicated to combating these crimes under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.”
The arrested suspects and their seized items were subsequently handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and legal action.
