The Nigerian Navy‘s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ibaka has detained two alleged oil thieves who were transporting 3,500 gallons of petrol in a wooden boat on their way to Cameroon.
Capt. Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer, disclosed this on Tuesday while handing over the suspects and equipment to the command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka.
Speaking with newsmen, he noted thatthe suspects were apprehended along the canals at 11:15 a.m. on May 18.
Aneke said that the navy base received an intelligence tip on suspected smuggling activity in her area of operations.
“Consequently, our gunboats on routine patrol were vectored to intercept and arrest the two suspected smugglers.
“They were arrested with a wooden boat that contained 3,500 litres of petrol concealed under goods and covered with tarpaulin.
“The intelligence report indicated that the boat was conveying products suspected to have been smuggled from Grey Creek near Effiat Community and headed towards Cameroon,” he said.
He also explained that the navy, led by Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, was committed to combating all forms of marine crime in the state.
Aneke sent a warning saying that; anyone or groups preparing to engage in smuggling or other forms of waterway crime to stop or face the consequences of the law.
The commanding officer stated that criminal elements in the FOB Ibaka area of operations, which falls within the Eastern Naval Command Area of Responsibility, would be caught utilizing advanced surveillance technology and intelligence.
Receiving the suspects and items, Mr Michael Asibor, Corps Superintendent and Head of the Anti Vandal Unit at the NSCDC, stated that the incident would be investigated further.
New Telegraph
