The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended three suspected oil thieves in possession of crude oil valued at N32 million.
Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer, made the disclosure on Thursday during the handover of the suspects and seized items to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Akwa Ibom.
According to Aneke, the arrest took place Tuesday morning around 9:05 a.m., following intelligence on criminal activities within the area. Aided by the FOB Ibaka and the Tantita team, the suspects were intercepted with a wooden boat carrying approximately 60,000 liters of suspected stolen crude oil, along with outboard engines and a pumping machine.
The vessel, loaded with 11 Geepee tanks, was allegedly transporting the stolen product from offshore Ibeno as Aneke issued a warning to individuals or groups engaging in maritime crimes or smuggling in Nigerian waters to cease their activities.
He emphasized the Navy’s ongoing commitment to combating such offenses under the direction of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
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