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The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka has detained three individuals suspected of crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects were intercepted with a wooden boat carrying crude oil valued at approximately ₦32 million. FOB Ibaka’s Commanding Officer, Captain Uche Aneke, revealed the details during the formal handover of the suspects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Akwa Ibom on Thursday.
Aneke explained that the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday at around 9:05 a.m., following an intelligence tip regarding suspicious activities in the area. Supported by the FOB Ibaka, the Tantita security team intercepted the suspects, who were found with a vessel containing around 60,000 liters of crude oil stored in 11 Geepee tanks.
The crude oil had reportedly been sourced offshore from Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State. Additional equipment, including outboard engines and a pumping machine, was also seized from the vessel.
“At the time of arrest, the wooden boat had a total of three crew members, all Nigerian nationals,” Aneke confirmed. “Individuals or groups planning to carry out any form of criminality or smuggling illegal consignments into or out of Nigeria’s waters should desist immediately,” he cautioned. The case has been handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and legal proceedings.