From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Akwa Ibom state have arrested three suspected oil thieves ferrying 2,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 1000 cartoons of beer with the intended to be smuggled out to Republic of Cameroon.
The Commanding Officer of the Base, Capt. Uche Aneke disclosed this while handing over the suspects with seized items and other goods to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command on Friday at Naval base in Mbo council area of the state
Aneke while briefing Journalists on the incident said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, at about 7 pm during their routine night patrol at Mbo River during stop-and-search operations.
His words “Navy intercepted a wooden laden with about 1,000 cartons of different brands of beer and other goods, upon thorough search we discovered 2,000 litres drums of PMS carefully concealed under the cartons with the intention of smuggling into the Republic of Cameroon”
He warned individuals or groups involved in smuggling or any form of criminal activity within Nigeria’s waters to desist immediately from such crimes .
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 that criminal elements within Forward Operation Base IBAKA area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command area of responsibility 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.