The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, located in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, has arrested two individuals for allegedly stealing 2,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS).
The commanding officer, Aliyu Abdullahi, made the announcement while handing over the suspects and the seized items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ibaka on Monday.
According to Abdullahi, the suspects were apprehended at around 7:45 p.m. on January 24 during a routine patrol along the Mbo River.
During the patrol, naval personnel intercepted a wooden boat loaded with over 2,100 liters of petrol, hidden under cargoes such as bread, fruits, and bags of cassava flakes.
Abdullahi explained that the suspects were attempting to smuggle the fuel from Nigeria into the Republic of Cameroon.
The commanding officer emphasized that under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, FOB Ibaka remains dedicated to combating crimes along the waterways.
“We will continue to detect criminal activities in Nigeria’s waterways using advanced surveillance technology and intelligence,” he said.
He further urged individuals or groups involved in maritime crimes, such as smuggling, to immediately cease their illegal activities.
Upon receiving the suspects and the recovered items, ASC Willie Emediong from the NSCDC stated that the suspects would be prosecuted following a thorough investigation.
