The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, has reported the arrest of two suspected oil thieves who were found carrying 3,500 litres of petrol in a wooden boat en route to Cameroon.

The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, disclosed this while handing over the suspects and items to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Tuesday. According to Aneke, the suspects were apprehended along the waterways at about 11:15 am on May 18.

Aneke stated that the navy base received an intelligence report about suspected smuggling activity within its area of operation. As a result, their gunboats on routine patrol were directed to intercept and arrest the two suspected smugglers. The suspects were found with a wooden boat containing 3,500 litres of petrol concealed under goods and covered with tarpaulin.

The intelligence report indicated that the boat was transporting products suspected to have been smuggled from Grey Creek near Effiat Community and headed towards Cameroon.

Aneke emphasized the navy’s commitment, under the watch of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to combat all forms of maritime crime in the state. He warned individuals or groups planning to engage in smuggling and other forms of waterway crime to desist or face the consequences of the law. The commanding officer also assured that criminal elements in the FOB Ibaka area of operations under the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility would continue to be detected using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence.

Upon receiving the suspects and items, Mr Michael Asibor, Corps Superintendent and Head of the Anti Vandal Unit, NSCDC, stated that further investigation would be conducted on the matter.