An individual suspected of oil theft was apprehended by the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base, FOB, Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, while en route to Cameroon with 15,500 liters of suspected Premium Motor Spirit, PMS.
During the handover of the suspect and seized product to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, the Commanding Officer, Capt. Uche Aneke, revealed this information at Ibaka.
The suspect, along with the confiscated product, was detained at approximately 2:00 am on Friday, as per Aneke.
The navy acted upon receiving intelligence indicating the transportation of smuggled products through the FOB, Ibaka operational area, towards Cameroon.
Upon intercepting the boat, officials discovered the concealed 15,500 liters of suspected PMS under a tarpaulin and arrested a suspected smuggler on board.
In a statement, the commanding officer emphasized the navy’s determination to combat the smuggling of illegal goods in and out of the country.
He underscored the use of advanced surveillance equipment and intelligence to detect criminal activities within the operational area, cautioning against illicit actions in Nigeria’s water and coastal regions.
Upon receiving the seized items, Mr. Etefia Koko-Ette, Head of the NSCDC’s Anti Vandal Unit in Akwa Ibom, announced the commencement of further investigations into the matter.