The Nigerian Navy has intercepted a wooden boat bound for Cameroon carrying 144 drums of diesel. The petroleum product is suspected to be illegally refined. The boat was intercepted during a routine patrol around Agbana West by Tom Shot Island Breakwaters along the waterways of Cross River State by officers of Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Victory patrol team.
The suspects, including one Cameroonian named Daniel Nekoli and three Nigerians – Emma Effiong, Victor Okon, and Kingsley Etim – were paraded before newsmen by Commander of the NNS Victory team, Rear Admiral Vincent Okeke, represented by Captain Muhammad Umaru. The total market value of the seized items is estimated at N15, 504, 000.
Captain Muhammad Umaru highlighted the desperation of smugglers to bring in contraband into the country within the yuletide season for personal economic gains.