Operatives of the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has impounded four wooden boats with 16,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and arrested no less than 30 suspected oil thieves.
Disclosing the development to journalists, the Commanding Officer of the base, Capt. Mohammed Abu said the Nigerian Navy Ship, Thunder, led by Capt. Christian Akokota intercepted the four boats between November 27 and 28.
While handing over the suspects and exhibits to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the captain explained that the boats, packed with 16,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, 12,500 litres of AGO mixed with water, and 370 bags of fish, were handed over to the FOB Ibaka on November 29.
Abu noted that the handover demonstrated the inter-agency cooperation between the Navy and NSCDC.
According to him, “These boats and the suspects were handed over to FOB Ibaka on November 29. Consequently, we are handing over the suspects and the ships to the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“The boats are right behind me, four in number; one of the boats was ladened with 16,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 12,500 litres of AGO mixed with water.
“The other boat was carrying 113 empty drums of 250kg capacity, and the last boat was carrying 370 bags of fish.
“The suspects are 30 in number; details of the handing over are contained in the handing over note that I am presenting to the representative of the NSCDC.
“On this note, I am handing over the suspects and the exhibits to the representative of the NSCDC, and this is a demonstration of inter-agency cooperation.
“As a prosecuting agency, once they are done with the investigation and prosecution, they will revert to the Nigerian Navy the outcome of their investigation and prosecution,” Abu said.
Adamu Jafa’aru, Assistant Commandant of Corps and head of the Anti-Vandalism Unit, Akwa Ibom Command, while receiving the exhibits and suspect assured that the agency would carry out a thorough investigation and all those found guilty would be prosecuted.
