The Nigerian Navy (NN) Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, has arrested a suspected oil thief enroute Cameroon with 15,500 litres of suspected Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, stated this at Ibaka while handing over the suspect and product to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Capt. Aneke said the suspect was arrested about 2am on Friday.
According to him, the Navy received intelligence that a boat was conveying suspected smuggled products through FOB Ibaka operational area and heading towards Cameroon.
He said: “We intercepted the boat and discovered that it was laden with 15,500 litres of products suspected PMS concealed under a tarpaulin. We also found a suspected smuggler onboard who was arrested immediately.
Capt. Aneke warned against smuggling of illegal consignments in or out of the country, saying the navy was committed towards tackling such activities.
He added: “We are committed towards detecting every criminal move around our operational area using advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence. Criminals are warned, Nigeria’s water and coastal areas are not for illegal activities.”
Head of Anti-Vandal Unit of the NSCDC, Etefia Koko-Ette, said further investigation would be conducted on the matter.