The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operation Base, Ibaka in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State says it has apprehended three suspected oil thieves and a wooden boat laden with 19 drums of products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
It was gathered that the suspects were nabbed on Monday, August 29, 2022, by operatives during a routine patrol along Effiat waterways.
The Base Operating Officer Lt.-Cdr. Daniel Onyemaeze, disclosed this on Thursday at Ibaka while handing over the suspects and exhibits to Candidi Odo, Superintendent Corps of the prosecuting agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense and Corps (NSCDC), for further investigations.
Onyemaeze said that the nineteen (19) drums of suspected PMS that were intercepted contained 250 liters each, warning perpetrators of oil bunkering and other criminal activities to desist from such acts.
“This morning the FOB Ibaka is handing over three suspects with 19 drums of product suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to Nigeria Security and Civil Defense and Corps (NSCDC).
“They were intercepted by our personnel at FOB Ibaka during routine patrol along Effiat waterways. This is in line with the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff to curtail illegal and criminal activities on the waterways,” he stated.
Receiving the suspects and exhibits, the Superintendent Corps of NSCDC, Odo commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy towards ensuring the reduction of crime on the nation’s waterways.
